Why did you choose CAPSC for your summer internship?
James: I picked CAPSC for my summer internship because of its established reputation throughout the community. I have lived in Dover for most of my life, and during this time I have heard a lot about CAPSC and the positive impact they continuously make in the lives of Strafford County residents. I knew that I could learn a lot by working for this organization, so I was compelled to join as an intern.
What things have you been involved with at CAPSC this summer?
James: During my brief time working here, I have been a part of many different programs and events. One of the first opportunities in which I was able to represent CAPSC was volunteering at the Greg and the Morning Buzz golf tournament. Not long after, I was involved in a social media takeover in which the interns controlled the social media pages for a week. Additionally, I have participated in a major food distribution, worked heavily with the Dover food pantry, and developed a strong focus on client contact. My favorite event, though, was packaging hundreds of meals for kids at Dover High School as part of our Summer Meals program.
What are your responsibilities on a day-to-day basis?
James: During my average day at CAPSC, I have two positions that I could fill, the first of which is at the front desk. During this time, I get to interact with a lot of our clients by helping them with their questions, providing relevant resources, and connecting them to the right departments. Since the front desk is connected to our Dover food pantry, I also give out food to community members in need. The other position I help with is data management. This includes optimizing our database of clients and organizing client applications.
What has been your favorite part of the internship so far, and what have you learned from it?
James: My favorite part about this internship so far is the connection it’s given me to my community. When I work at the front desk, I see people from all different walks of life come through our front doors to reach out for help. This has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the community that I live in because I’ve been introduced to circumstances and struggles that I would usually never see. In this way I have learned a lot from the job; apart from just working in a professional setting, it has allowed me to better understand others and better prepare for my own future.
Read our interviews with Kayla, Eli and Spencer.
