So many tears were shed at our final presentation, alongside so many gifts, photographs, and heartfelt goodbyes. The bittersweet feeling already made each and every one of us realize that the moments we shared during the fellowship would become some of the most beautiful memories of our youth—memories that will last a lifetime. It feels even more meaningful when we think about how we unlocked these incredible opportunities through years of hard work, countless hours of interview preparation, and the courage to dream big. Opportunities are truly some of the most amazing and unexpected gifts in life. They knock on our doors, sometimes when we least expect them, and show us new ways to pursue our dreams.
On the final day of my internship, all of the interns at Families USA had the opportunity to speak with our Executive Director, Anthony Wright. When we asked what had inspired him to pursue health care policy and advocacy, he spoke about receiving a scholarship to attend one of the most prestigious private schools, where he studied alongside students from privileged backgrounds. The teaching methods, perspectives, and mindsets of the teachers and students there were completely different from those in the neighborhood and school he had grown up in as a child from an underprivileged family. Attending that private school opened his eyes to a different world and helped him understand just how life-changing access to opportunity can be.
I believe the Karel Fellowship has opened so many doors for me as well. My network expanded tremendously as I connected with staff at Families USA and professionals from the organizations where other fellows were placed. I learned how to communicate and work effectively in a professional environment. I learned how to make my voice heard and how to ask for resources, support, and feedback when I need them. I also gained a much clearer understanding of the expectations that both an organization and I, as an intern, should have for one another. Washington, D.C.’s museums, embassy events, and countless cultural activities also deepened my passion for international studies and communications, giving me a kind of enlightenment and perspective that I could never gain from books alone.
After attending eight AMA sessions with my fellowship cohort, what amazed me even more than the advocacy systems these organizations had built was the dedication and solidarity of the people behind them. Working in these organizations often requires tremendous sacrifice. Staff members devote countless hours, mental energy, professional expertise, education, and experience to improving the lives of others. Some even risk their personal safety, leaving the comfort of office jobs to work in conflict zones and dangerous regions, documenting human rights abuses and interviewing survivors. I deeply respect these individuals and organizations for having the courage, resilience, and determination to take action and contribute to causes they believe are right. Without the Frank Karel Fellowship, I do not think I would have fully understood how far people throughout history, and in the present day, have gone to protect human rights.
This internship has been truly eye-opening. It has helped me understand many different aspects of society, from the experiences of people who are struggling to the extraordinary dedication of those who choose to help them. I believe the mindset I developed during this internship will stay with me wherever I go. It is a perspective I hope to carry into every workplace and eventually pass on to my family, my younger brother, my future spouse, and my future children. Above all, I hope to be part of a generation that continues to recognize the power of opportunity and always chooses to extend a helping hand to others.
