Ramisa Reza

PR & Strategic Communication & Global Studies

Peace Learning Center

How has your internship helped build skills and clarify your career goals?

I have always imagined a career in the non-profit industry, so being at Peace Learning Center helped me understand what that could look like full-time. What I appreciated most about the setting was the constant will to learn and do good. They also emphasized uplifting their coworkers, therefore, I saw how my time-management and organizational skills were invaluable. With their continued help, I expanded my application of these skills to tasks relating to public relations and donor relations.

How do you apply your Liberal Arts skills in your internship?

Aside from extensive reading and writing, the most valuable thing I took from my Liberal Arts studies to my internship is the ability to process diverse perspectives. At PLC, I met people from places that I have never been and experienced things that I may never have to. From children who have been victims of gun violence to youth workers who doubt restorative justice, I had the opportunity to help people reflect on life, our world and its systems in a different manner. At the same time, I did the same and a greater understanding of my community now, for that reason.

Describe your typical day as an intern.  

As most students will say, each day at my internship was different. While I had the overarching goal of organizing PLC's annual fundraiser, I was also able to partake in peace-building workshops and contribute in the office renovation project. Change gives me energy, so this spread of tasks made me excited to come into work each day.

What was the most challenging aspect of your internship?  

What I found most challenging, however, was working only during business hours. As a student, I can work at any time of the day and even get ahead if my productivity levels are at a high. In an office environment, I risk my work-life balance if I cannot strategically place these bursts of motivation.

What surprised you most about your internship? 

To this end, the most surprising thing I learned at PLC, in discussion with the staff there, is the importance of recognizing these personal boundaries when your passion is so closely related to your work. 

Describe the most meaningful experience you had as an intern.

The most meaningful experience I had with PLC was at their youth symposium for One Indy schools. This year's theme was Youth Activism and I had the amazing opportunity to help facilitate group discussion. Hearing the causes that the kids were passionate about and their ideas for movements/organizations helped, quite frankly, restore my faith in humanity.

How did you learn about your internship?

I would give credit to Purdue for introducing me to Peace Learning Center. I was taking a Peace Studies class when I saw the organization referenced on the program website. After doing more research, I felt that it was one of the most dynamic organizations I had seen and it was located right in my community. I went through the typical application process, but it was the opportunities I took to talk to a past PLC intern and two staff members that helped me make the decision to spend my summer there.