As a current college student, I am working towards my future career of becoming a Teacher. Thanks to Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, I had the great opportunity to learn and intern at Saturday Academy in N Portland. Before this I had no idea this amazing organization existed. As a Photography intern, I was placed in many of the classes Saturday Academy has to offer to our young children and youth.
Throughout the summer I was able to capture great shots of these kiddos focused on their work and collaboratively working together. My very first day that I walked in to take photos for the website, a group of middle school age students had been learning to design and build their very own skateboards. They were carefully adding last minute touches to their boards. I also witnessed many young talented students create their own video games and were able to save them onto a thumb drive to take home. Let me tell you, they were seven- to eight-year old kids who were able to accomplish this task! I wish I had the chance to experience classes like these when I was younger.
Although I wasn’t able to work one on one with the students, I had the chance to approach the teachers and get an insight on what it takes to be an aspiring teacher. Not only that, I was also able to see what creative ideas and fun activities these teachers implemented throughout their class time, to keep their students active and engaged. Some ideas I might even use myself in my future classroom as a teacher.
The biggest perk of this internship is that I got to speak to several of these experienced teachers. I was able to further my knowledge and understanding of the field of education by learning from them. Most importantly, I created relationships and connections with people who motivate and support me in my area of interest in education. I really enjoyed being a part of this organization and will be spreading the word of this awesome program as the years go by.
My overall experience with Saturday Academy is unforgettable. Just as excited and eager our kiddos were about their classes at my feelings are mutual about teaching. Great memories from the time spent at SA are engraved in my mind and motivated me to become the best teacher I can be. I wouldn’t hesitate to come back and intern here if I had the opportunity.