“I found out about this opportunity through the internship coordinator at my school, TCNJ. I’m a public health major. The VISTA program is working with YMCAs on public health initiatives. At camp, we’re focused on helping lower rates of summer learning loss. In addition to other activities, the kids here are taking STEM, music and art all geared toward preventing summer learning loss. Before I started this program, I didn’t know about the work that Ys across the state do toward public health issues like housing insecurity and food insecurity.
This is a really great camp program. It’s my first time working with kids like this. I think it’s important to give kids as many resources as we can, including over the summer. I’ve been working with the music teacher and it’s been a fun learning experience for me. I’m learning with the kids, too.
For my career, I really want to work with underprivileged communities to bridge gaps in health insurance and health inequities. I grew up in Perth Amboy and I’ve been involved in community groups there and have been able to give back to my community. I really want to make sure that people of color and women like me – I am Hispanic – have access to health education and health care.
So far, this has really been a great experience. I just like watching the campers learn. They are so excited and happy and that makes me happy, too. They are so full of joy. The counselors are also great and something I find so special is that a lot of the counselors also went to camp here. It’s nice to witness the community they have. As the summer goes on, I’m looking forward to seeing the progress we make toward preventing summer learning loss.”