Past Internship Experiences
Interventionist Participants Experience - January 2023 to May 2023
Settling In
The school community created a supportive environment to welcome the interventionists to the site. This includes acts of hospitality like being picked up from the airport, being given tours around the community, and being welcomed into homes for any needs.
I was picked up from the airport, and they gave me a little tour around Koliganek, and they were like if you ever need anything, knock on the door, like if you need dishes or extra ingredients. They were just so welcoming I honestly could not have asked for a more hospitable atmosphere right when I got there.
It was somewhat of a welcoming party to greet us at the runway upon our arrival. The kids were so curious to see the new faces. And then just the “Who are you? Where are you from? Why is your hair like that?”
Alaskan Experience
The participants speak about Alaska and its culture, a setting seemingly central to the program. The participants talk positively about the opportunity to experience a new culture and lifestyle in Alaska. The importance of such experiences in their education, career development, and cultural competency.
It's just eye-opening to see an entire culture I haven't seen before […] you get up here and like everything is so different than you could imagine. Just getting the opportunity to experience this culture is, is so amazing.
Value of Shared Experience
The participants highlighted how sharing the experience with peers was crucial to their journey. They mention the sense of camaraderie, shared understanding, and support as critical components, emphasizing the value of fostering a sense of community among participants. They appreciate the opportunity to work in a challenging, culturally diverse environment and see it as a unique opportunity they would recommend to others.
A student came to my house at 8:00 PM one night and knocked on my door and was like, 'We just shot a ptarmigan. Do you want to try it?' So they rushed home, cooked it, and brought it back. It was so good. I enjoyed the experience and thoughtfulness of the student.
Cultural Immersion
The participants discuss their experiences with the local Alaskan culture, from food to community engagement. They mention trying local dishes like dried salmon, herring eggs, and moose, attending local events like basketball games, and steaming with community members. The exposure gained from this experience seems to have broadened the participants' understanding of societal challenges and inspired a sense of cultural growth.
It was nice to see how things still function and how they make schools work and make it work for kids around here and work with the community, and how big basketball is - it was a big takeaway! Why did I only think they played hockey here? (laugh)
Educational Challenges and Rewards
There is a strong sense of community involvement, the desire to build relationships with the community and contribute positively. The participants noted the resilience and resourcefulness of the communities in ensuring education continues. The teachers' enthusiasm and excitement at meeting the newcomers show the cooperative and supportive atmosphere within the school community. They also talk about learning from local teachers and their teaching methods in such conditions.
I realized how much I took for granted living in a city and then just going somewhere where there were hardly any roads and just how small the community was. And just being so thankful for the resources that some schools have. […] It touched my heart just being there and having this experience.
That was nice to […] be able to meet all the teachers and see where you would like to be working and have your stuff. I liked the shadow and observing the classrooms because then you got to see all the kids, and I thought it was nice.
Interning Through a Pandemic - Blog by 2021 cohort
During the 2021 year, the program continued strong. Seven interns were hired and served 5 sites within Dillingham and Southwest. Here is a link to a blog kept by the interns and hosted by Haley Bolduc, intern serving in Kolganek, Alaska.