Reflections From a Summer Intern

Colin, NHCO’s summer intern, loads bags of food into a client’s car during a recent food pantry in Millvale.

Although my short time at North Hills Community Outreach is coming to an end, this organization has left a profound impact on my life. The work done here is absolutely vital for our community. Without NHCO, many of our neighbors would be left alone in their hardest moments.

I am so proud and thankful that I was allowed to take part in work that’s important to so many people. 

While working with the communication department, I was able to talk with many local companies who were very willing to give donations to our cause. I always felt so grateful to see the generosity displayed by these businesses, who decided to do their part towards bettering their surrounding areas by supporting NHCO. I was so happy to play even a small role in that business to community relationship. 

My coworkers were so supportive of me over the summer, always looking for ways to help me. This was my first internship, and I definitely benefited from that guidance. I feel like I improved every day I spent in the office, whether I got better at wording emails, talking on the phone, writing letters, or communicating with coworkers and the public. The value I got out of this experience truly can’t be measured. 

A couple of my service-based coworkers allowed me to sit in for some in person client meetings, which were always great experiences. Everyone I met at those meetings turned out to be great people who were so thankful towards NHCO and so driven to improve their lives. It gave me a huge appreciation for both the service work we offer and for the spirit shown by our clients. The virtue of people helping people was always on display. 

I want to use this conclusion as a thank you to everyone I came in contact with throughout my summer here. To all my amazing coworkers in Millvale, Allison Park, or anyone else I met from NHCO, thank you so much for taking me in as one of your own and allowing me to use this as a learning experience unlike any other.

To all the donors I met in person or online, thank you for the kindness you expressed towards our neighbors in need. You are the ones who keep NHCO floating with your financial support.

And to the clients I got to meet who have relied on NHCO’s work, thank you for sharing your stories with me and for trusting us to help you through your times in need.

Although my time here is over, I will always be a supporter of this organization and will always keep the values I saw on display here in my heart.