How an Internship is Shaping her Future

This summer we were fortunate as an organization to host two interns, Christopher O’Herren, Champlain College student and Tara Kurup through the Bank of American internship.  Here is Tara’s inspiring story:

I was in second grade when I enrolled in Camp Sargent for the first time. I was six years old, terrified of meeting a whole new group of kids and having to find my spot in a camp of 400 people. However, after spending about an hour with my counselor and the other kids in my group, I already felt welcomed. We were introduced to all the cool activities Camp Sargent had, such as canoeing, swimming, arts and crafts, and archery (my favorite). It got to the point where I would beg my parents to drop me off as soon as possible so I could spend more time at camp.

One of my favorite memories from Camp Sargent was one of the last weeks, where my group and I had to do a skit for the whole camp. We ended up doing a skit to the song “What does the Fox Say,” where we painted masks out of paper plates of all the different animals. Looking back, it seems silly, but I know when I was a kid, I had the most fun time doing it.

The best part about Camp Sargent was how convenient it was for my family; my parents worked at Fidelity, which was about a mile away, so every morning they would drop me off and then go to work. It was a great way for my parents to make friends at work whose kids also went to Camp Sargent, and on the nice mornings we would walk to camp because it was only a 10-minute walk from my house.

While I was in middle school, I’d always find myself at the Merrimack Y. My parents signed me up for tennis lessons there, which turned into a new hobby of mine. We’d be there every week, whether it would be to play tennis, racquetball, or swim. The Merrimack Y was truly a second home for me, and a place where I knew I’d be supported learning new things.

Moving to Nashua in seventh grade was an exciting yet scary time for me. I didn’t know anybody yet, and I was still adjusting to my new school. However, I knew the Nashua Y would be with me just like the Merrimack Y was. When I settled into my new neighborhood and town, a group of my friends and I would constantly go to the Y. We would help each other with workouts and uplift one another in activities none of us had any experience in, like basketball or running the track.

This summer, I am an intern at the YMCA of Greater Nashua through the Bank of America Student Leaders Program. The program is an 8-week internship where Bank of America pairs the student with a local non-profit to essentially learn how a non-profit operates, along with a one-week trip to DC to meet other student leaders across the country. This week serves as an opportunity to learn about the role of the government and businesses in addressing global issues, as well as hearing from some activists/speakers who are making an impact with their work (including Chris Evans!)

When I was told that I would be paired with the YMCA of Greater Nashua as my nonprofit, I was ecstatic. I knew that finally after so many years I could give back to a community that was such a formative part of my childhood.

Although my internship is coming to an end, there are many lessons that I have learned from my experience here that I can apply every day, especially as I approach my senior year. One of the greatest experiences I’ve had here is meeting people from all different backgrounds. Working at the Y means that every day you meet a group of different people than the day before. I’ve been able to hear from many members with varying backgrounds, not only enhancing my communication skills but making me more open minded. Going into school, I can ensure that these skills will allow me to approach meeting new people with a more receptive mind.

Similarly, another skill I’ve learned over the course of this internship is teamwork. Observing how every employee at the Y does their job showed me that it would not be possible without the help of others. The leaders of each business unit of the Y don’t operate separately without the input of others; they have weekly meetings with other sectors to get their thoughts on how to expand their organization or how to approach a problem. Teamwork is what makes the YMCA of Greater Nashua function as more than just a gym. These teamwork skills are applicable to school as there will never be a day where I don’t have to work with other students on a project or discussion; however, observing teamwork at the Y will greatly improve my own skills to get the most out of working with others.

After high school, I would like to go to college for economics, and a potential minor in music. I also want to continue my volunteerism in other nonprofits around the country. I know that the lessons I’ve learned at the Y will be beneficial no matter what career path I choose to pursue.

I have been able to work with some of the most amazing people who make the Y the community it is. Everyone at the Y puts so much effort into their role, and it makes me understand how such a huge operation can work so well. I’m so excited to work with the Y and its amazing staff for the rest of the Summer!

By: Tara Kurup, a Nashua South High School student who is completing an internship with the Y.