This summer, I interned at the Seaway Valley Prevention Council (SVPC) in Ogdensburg, NY. In this role, I worked under multiple health promotion coalition and recovery center leaders in a mezzo-level social work practice setting. During these ten weeks, I had the opportunity to work with my home community and understand the challenge of substance use prevention and health promotion, as well as the ways in which to help individuals in recovery and to better understand the challenges they and their families face.
During this experience, I had the opportunity to assist with community outreach at community events, such as summer recreation programs and farmers' markets, and prepare for such events. I refined and reviewed a substance use evidence-based prevention policy proposal for local schools, proposing that SVPC provide counseling sessions for students struggling with substance use before punishing with suspensions. I created health promotion social media campaigns focused on alcohol and vaping prevention, assisted with educational programming for children in grades 2-11, and supported Recovery Center operations while learning how SVPC provides services to individuals and families affected by addiction. Additionally, I was trained on providing supportive, nonjudgmental assistance to individuals affected by addiction and behavioral health concerns, specifically for problem gambling.
My primary focus and goal of this internship was to gain firsthand experience working in a prevention and promotion-based mezzo-level subset of social work. I was particularly interested in performing community outreach and working with adolescents, as I, until then, had limited experience in both. Throughout the internship, I observed and helped coalition leaders facilitated the LifeSkills, Too Good for Drugs, and Connections Job Readiness programs for students and had the opportunity to assist with educational activities. These experiences allowed me to see how evidence-based prevention programs are implemented, how coalition leaders adapt their approach to different age groups, and how early intervention can positively influence children's decision-making and overall well-being.
In addition to achieving my primary goal, I further strengthened my communication skills, particularly my ability to tailor my approach to individuals of different ages, backgrounds, experiences, and struggles. Whether working with children, community members, or individuals in recovery, I learned the importance of meeting people where they are and making them really feel heard and valued by recognizing their unique circumstances and communicating in ways that foster trust and respect. This experience also taught me that effective advocacy extends beyond advocating for individuals and connecting them with resources; it requires advocating for myself as a professional by maintaining appropriate boundaries while remaining compassionate and respectful. Through these experiences, I developed a deeper understanding of the balance between empathy, professionalism, and ethical practice, which will guide me as I continue my education and pursue a career in social work.
Throughout this internship and through personal experiences, I have strengthened my desire for a career where I can do more than understand psychological challenges; I want to support individuals and families directly through medical social work. This internship allowed me to develop the skills necessary to advocate for others, connect individuals with resources, help them navigate complex systems, and empower them as they work towards healing and growth while recognizing the unique barriers and experiences that shape their well-being. The lessons and experiences I gained have built upon the knowledge I have acquired through my education and previous internships and have further prepared me to pursue a Master of Social Work degree. As I continue my education, I am driven to work towards becoming a licensed clinical social worker and building a career in medical social work. I am incredibly grateful to the Seaway Valley Prevention Council for providing me with this opportunity and for the valuable experiences that have helped shape my career goals.