Final Reflection

While interning at Planned Parenthood I have learned so many different things! First off, I really grasped an understanding on how interdisciplinary studies can be applied in an organization. Seeing this process take action in a real world setting has really broaden my knowledge pertaining to integral studies. I also learned a lot about how a non profit organization advocates for public policies that impact their clientele in a positive way. PPH as an organization have the unique position to strongly advocate for policies that will lead to more access of the health care services they provide. This sort of 'grassroots' interning has been really amazing! To be able to gain insight into the political/public policy side of PPH has been a privilege. They apparently are not just an abortion clinic :)

I grew as an individual in several ways! But one thing that really stands out is my increase in confidence when it comes to public speaking. On several different occasions when I have lead PPH events whether it be crowd canvassing or tabling, I have had to talk to a number of strangers on topics that aren't the easiest to discuss. Not only am I more confident is speaking, I also understand and know how to take rejection from those people who do not support PPH or are too busy to hear you. Public policy is hard work! You have to be truly motivated and committed to the cause that you are fighting (in this case women's reproductive rights) for or else change will not happen.

Some of the skills I have gained have come from various training sessions that I attended to learn more affective ways to talk to people in the community about what PPH does. In addition, I was also trained on leadership skills that have been very useful when I have lead some different events. Lastly, I was able to sit in on some interesting team meetings that allowed me to see how PPH as an organization works with all it's different departments. This internship has definitely been a positive experience and I am very grateful for the limited opportunity to volunteer with PPH. With all the economic cuts, luxuries like internship positions are scarce among non-profit organizations and it has been really awesome to be apart of the PPH team!