Summer Internship Opens Door to Career Path

By Alexa King, Career Services Ambassador

Joi Spaulding ’14 is an Africana Studies Major, Pre-Medicine from Stamford, Connecticut. She is a Strategies Mentor and member of the Upsilon Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

This past summer Joi Spaulding interned with a non-profit organization called REACH Prep, which prepares highly motivated black and Latino students from low to moderate income families enter independent schools located in Fairfield and Westchester counties, and the Bronx. As an advisor for the “Junior-Girls,” rising 5th graders, her day typically began at 7:45 a.m. with a daily lesson or activity that she prepared, often pertaining to character building.  Proactive and energetic, Joi sought out new tasks and assignments from her advisors, and usually assisted the teachers with science labs and lectures. If any student was struggling with a concept in class, Joi would also provide tutoring for them.

When asked about the most valuable lessons Joi learned through her internship, she alluded to the “art” of working with children. “Regardless of how they behave, you have to give a child a clean slate each day,” Joi said.  In addition, she said that her experience taught her the importance of having a positive impact on children, especially from an early age. She also indicated that she had “no idea how much they looked up to me” and viewed her as a role model. “With children, the little things are really important, whether it’s a fun lesson plan or a basketball game.” They were really enthusiastic about my interest in their success, she said.

This experience was so meaningful to Joi that in the future she wants to work with youth, hopefully in an education or health care related capacity. She found that “it really just takes one person who cares to show a child that she believes in him. That support and care is what can truly make an impact in a child’s life.”

Upcoming Education Opportunities

Are you considering work opportunities in the education field? Now is a great time to begin exploring possible teaching options after graduation. Below is a list of education opportunities coming this fall to Davidson College:

September Events

Opportunities in Education and Teaching Workshop
Thursday, September 1 @ 4:30 pm, Union 313

Teach for America (Teach in underserved schools throughout USA)
Information Session: Monday, September 12 @ 7:30 pm in Alvarez 900 Room
Next Application Deadline: Friday, September 16 @ 11:50 PM Through Teach For America website.
Interview Day:  Scheduled by Teach for America

Post-Graduate Fellowships & Service Corps Opportunities Workshop (Learn about teaching domestic or overseas through 1-2 year programs)
Tuesday, September 27 @ 4:00 pm, Union 302

October Events

Carney Sandoe & Associates (Teach or coach in private schools throughout USA)
Information Session: None
Application Deadline: October 14 @ 11:59 PM
Interview Day: October 28

Southern Teachers Agency (Teach or coach in private schools throughout the South)
Information Table: October 26 @ 12:30 – 3:30 PM
Application Deadline: October 26 @ 11:59 PM
Interview Day: November 9

JET – Japan Teaching and Education Program (Teach in Japan)
Information Table: October 26 @ 12:30 – 3:30 PM
Application Deadlines: Early Deadline in Mid-October and Final Deadline in Late November through JET website.

Peace Corps (Teach Worldwide)
Information Table: October 26 @ 12:30 – 3:30 PM
Application Deadline: Rolling Through Peace Corps website.

November Events

Careers in Education Panel
Tuesday, November 1 @ 4:30 pm, Sprinkle Room

NOTE:  Additional Teaching and Education Opportunities available on the Career Services website.

Be sure to log in to WildcatLink for the latest information on educational opportunities.  If you need assistance setting up an account, contact Career Services at 704-894-2132 or email careers@davidson.edu.