During Intersession, Field students have the option of interning at local organizations or even companies outside of the DMV. Siena '28 spent her internship working with art classes at Lafayette Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Keep reading to learn more about this unique experience.
What was appealing about this internship?
The most appealing thing about my internship was seeing how art gave students a voice. Art allows students to express their emotions and thoughts visually. Seeing a student light up because all of their ideas are valued can be very motivating and is a reminder that art can reach students in special ways.
Describe your typical responsibilities each day.
My typical responsibilities each day are to get the classroom ready for all of the students to come and make art. After all the students are finished I clean up after them so the room can stay organized and clean. I also walk around the classroom and answer any questions they have. During some periods of art classes, there is an activity called a studio sprint, where each student goes to a station to try a new technique of art. I stay around the print making table because there are many components to create the outcome, which can be an overwhelming amount of steps for students but I am there to help them.
What was your favorite moment or biggest accomplishment?
One of my biggest accomplishments was seeing a student gain confidence in their creativity. So many students were eager to participate during class and show off their work to their peers. Seeing the joy and confidence made the overall experience very rewarding.
What is the most important thing you learned during this experience?
The most important thing I learned was how to create a safe and encouraging environment for the students. I also learned that preparation was so essential to a smooth unfolding of the day.
What surprised you most about this experience?
Something that surprised me most about my internship was how much planning and coordination there was required to run an art classroom smoothly. It also showed me how much attention and flexibility are needed in order to handle difficult situations.
How has this internship influenced your future plans or interests?
This internship has influenced my future plans or interests by showing me what it’s like to work as an art teacher for elementary schoolers. There were many skills that I will be taking from my internship to apply into my daily life. It is a solid data point for me as I decide the career I would like to embrace.
