My name is Hazel Wilde, and I am one of the interns working with Community Building Services. I am part of the Community Champions Internship Program that the University of Utah runs for first- and second-year students. I just finished my second year, and I am majoring in Data Science with a minor in FinTech.
Since starting my internship, I’ve loved getting to work with CBS. A big part of my role has been developing our website, and it’s something I’ve genuinely enjoyed. It has been a lot of fun applying what I’ve learned in school to something practical and meaningful, and I really enjoy scoping out what I can improve on the site. It is exciting to solve challenges, make decisions, and see visible progress. It has helped me learn a lot about CBS.
Through this website work, I’ve gotten to learn a little bit about everything CBS does, and I am helping to expand that reach even further. I’m excited to work on how we can connect communities digitally. Recently, we started a Creative Works page where people can send in a variety of works, such as poems, stories, and art pieces, to be displayed. We are also workshopping some more digital resources, one idea being an online language learning program.
This digital work has also given me the chance to look through countless photos and videos. I’ve gotten to see so many different events and programs CBS has hosted throughout the years. As a dancer myself, I always love seeing others dance and different styles. The emphasis that CBS makes on keeping culture alive for New Americans through the arts is incredible. CBS is welcoming and diverse, palpable through the photos and videos, the events I have had the chance to attend, and the workplace itself. CBS’s commitment to supporting New American families is visible in every program, and working on the website has helped me understand how deeply that mission runs.
These past few weeks have already taught me so much. Interns are set up for success here; I am given as much guidance as I need, but I am also encouraged to explore and make decisions on my own. Tek has been an amazing mentor. He has really allowed me to work on what I think would most help CBS and is always more than willing to meet with me and to help me work through whatever I need. I have learned a lot about making design decisions and understanding how nonprofits function and communicate. I’ve also seen how digital tools support community work.
All of this has shown how extraordinary CBS truly is. I hope you get involved in whatever way makes sense for you. You could explore the resources we have, attend events, or even take on a more permanent role in a long-term volunteering position or as an intern like me. However you engage with CBS will be meaningful and more than well worth it. CBS is building a powerful community, and I am grateful to be part of it, even if only for a short time.