This summer, I learned how to network with professionals in higher-level roles, including getting the chance to connect with College Track’s Digital Director. I also strengthened my communication and organization skills by leading professional development workshops and managing the follow-up recaps and reminders.

One of my proudest accomplishments is creating a resource bank for current and future interns. It took a lot of time and intention, but I know it will be incredibly helpful—not only for others, but for myself as well—by providing easy access to the specific topics we covered during Friday PDs.

At the beginning of the internship, I wasn’t clear on my project scope, which was difficult for me as someone who thrives on structure. But this became one of my biggest areas of growth. I learned to be more flexible and open to pivoting across projects, using my skills in new ways. I realized I’m not confined to a specific set of strengths—my skills are transferable, and I can adapt them to meet new challenges. That shift in mindset has been a powerful takeaway.

This summer, I went on Semester Zero, a trip to Arizona with all rising-juniors across all CT sites. It was both exhausting but also life-changing. I learned more about how to work well with our scholars and I get to connect with CT staff beyond the Colorado Region!

I rode on multiple rides at Elitches. as someone who is terrified of heights, I consider that a win!

One new skill I learned was learning how to navigate the USCIS website and connecting with the courts around the United States.

I think I felt most proud this past week because I had my final evaluation and my supervisor had a lot of positive feedback for me which made me feel like my time was valued at the IRC.

ECCT has changed me in a way where I feel more empowered to speak up and go after opportunities I wouldn’t have before. It has definitely helped me break out of my shell.

My favorite memory would be hanging out with my co workers outside of work it made me feel like I wasn’t only apart of the team but also forming connections and in a way networking.

One thing that surprised me was how the office changes in how busy the office gets. There were times when we were so backed up and when it was extremely slow.

One skill I developed/improved this summer is working in a professional environment with individuals from a variety of ages/backgrounds. Through my internship, I interacted and worked closely with medical providers, social workers, my program director, volunteers, different organizations in the Rhode Island community, and both adult and pediatric patients. This gave me the opportunity to strengthen my communication skills, which I really value.

I am most proud of the large impact our organization was able to have on patients in Rhode Island in just a few months. We worked with hundreds of patients and families across Rhode Island and connected them with critical resources for food, housing, medical care, etc., so this has been a very rewarding experience.

My ECCT experience has changed me since this summer, I played a larger leadership role in the organization, so I feel that I have grown as both a leader, advocate, and future physician.

My favorite memory from this summer was spending time with friends in the area and getting to explore the city a bit more during the summer.

One thing that surprised me this summer was how much our organization has grown since last year and how the impact we have had on patients in the community has greatly increased. This excites me for the future!

One new skill I improved in is to have independence in my creativity and overall agency. Ms. Sasha and I often had conversations about ensuring that I can speak up for myself and not waiting for her to give me instructions. This may have looked like her giving me a task that requires creativity and when I'd ask her how it looks, she would ask me the same question back. Through this she trained me to not expect her to always have the 'right' answer, instead to trust my judgement and utilize outside resources.

Being able to reach out to scholars and check in with them made me feel most proud. Though the certification is autonomous I enjoyed the moments of interacting and guiding scholars towards the right path!

This experience has changed me because it was my first real professional job. Being an ECCT scholar has educated me significantly in professional skills and put me on the path to being the first millionaire in my family and to serve communities like mine- both major goals I have for my life.

My favorite memory from this summer was sending out my first major email to the CT cohort.

Creating engaging yet professional marketing emails successfully wasn't something I knew I could do, so that was fun and surprising.