Internship Reflections
My name is Hanna Johnson, and I had the wonderful opportunity to serve as an intern at Learning Help Centers of Charlotte this summer. I am currently a junior at East Carolina University majoring in Social Work. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and become a marriage and family counselor.
My time at Learning Help Centers of Charlotte was an incredibly rewarding experience. On my very first day, I met the program director and volunteer coordinator, Elaine and Olivia, who warmly welcomed me and immediately made me feel like part of the team.
One of the highlights of my internship was being involved in the tutoring program. I had the opportunity to work one-on-one with two children, helping them academically while also playing games, building relationships, and getting to know them on a deeper level. Beyond working with the children, I was able to connect with their mothers and build meaningful relationships with them as well. One of my favorite experiences was helping organize the end-of-the-year tutoring celebration and creating a video that highlighted the impact of the program.
Thursday evenings were especially meaningful because they provided additional opportunities to spend time with the children at the playground and strengthen the relationships I had built with them. These evenings also allowed me to connect more closely with their mothers, which I found both enjoyable and rewarding.
When I was not working directly with the children, I spent much of my time assisting with administrative and creative projects. I worked with Excel spreadsheets and designed materials using Canva, which allowed me to use my creativity in a variety of ways. Elaine and Olivia regularly included me in projects where I could contribute ideas and assist with video production, scheduling, and T-shirt design. They thoughtfully assigned tasks that matched my strengths while also helping me develop new skills and gain valuable experience.
Throughout my internship, I also had the opportunity to connect with professionals in the field I hope to enter, which gave me valuable insight into my future career path. I greatly enjoyed working alongside Elaine and Olivia and learning about the day-to-day operations of a nonprofit organization.
Most importantly, I loved serving children, supporting their growth, and witnessing their progress throughout the tutoring program. My internship at Learning Help Centers of Charlotte strengthened my passion for serving others and reinforced my desire to pursue a career dedicated to helping individuals and families. I am grateful for the experience and all that I learned during my time at LHCC.