Impact of an Internship

Internships can have a profound impact on you, including your personal growth and career aspirations. The Breakthrough teaching fellow experience is designed for undergraduates of all majors and for those who intend to pursue careers in education, as well as those who haven’t yet considered it. You will gain valuable classroom experience and grow your leadership skills in a fun and motivated community. You’ll spend your summer with amazing middle-school students who are putting themselves on the path to college. The deadline to apply is February 27, 2020.

Blessing Utomi attended Sharpstown College Prep and is now at Columbia University. He spent last summer with Breakthrough and shares his experience below.

What was the most rewarding part of your internship?

The most rewarding part of BTH was being able to work with your own group of kids and see how much they grow academically and personally throughout the course of the summer. Some of my students who were shy and reserved left the summer eager and motivated to help others learn, which makes a teacher so proud.

What was the most challenging part of your internship?

BTH requires long hours and teaching fellows really are working the real-life hours of a teacher and sometimes more. Adjusting to my own personal schedule and balancing that with my work schedule was the biggest challenge for me.

What skills did you develop and/or gain?

During the summer I learned how to create effective lesson plans and discover approaches that would keep my students engaged and attentive to the lesson. Team building was also a very critical skill that I strengthened over the summer while working with other teaching fellows.

How did this experience shape how you view your future professional/career plans?

This experience introduced me to the world of education specifically working with students. I hope to be an educator one day and this experience has taught me the need and power that a dedicated teacher can have on their students.

What advice would you share for students interested in applying to Breakthrough?

I'd say DO IT! It might all seem daunting at first, which it is, but once you find your rhythm and start getting to know your students and coworkers it becomes one of the best jobs an aspiring teacher could ask for.

For more information and to apply, go here: https://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/apply-teacher/