While the word “exciting” can seem a bit clichéd, it is the perfect word to describe my anticipation to begin interning with the Summer of Sisterhood program at West Side Community House. I will work with more than 30 talented young girls as they spend the summer creating a collection of original songs and music videos. Summer of Sisterhood is an intensive, eight-week arts-based summer camp experience for young girls ages 10-18. As they learn to express themselves through song, dance, and theater, the young girls will build their confidence and develop team work skills. What could possibly be more exciting than Summer of Sisterhood?!

The West Side Community House (WSCH) was founded in 1890 with a mission to transform lives in the community. Since its founding, WSCH has done just that with their various programs, including Summer of Sisterhood. In 2012, more than 7,000 youth, families, and seniors were served through the programs and services provided at WSCH.

As an intern at WSCH, I will help to spread the “good news” about Summer of Sisterhood through the creation of a formal marketing and communications plan. I will also design a booklet that will track the progress of each girl throughout her stay in the program. Most importantly, I will have the opportunity to impact the lives of the young girls by empowering them to do their best. For these reasons and more, I am very excited about my summer with the Summer of Sisterhood program.

Learn more about West Side Community House and view past music videos of the young girls in Summer of Sisterhood.

Each week we use this space to give each of our interns a chance to reflect on their internship experiences. Chantel is a graduate student from John Carroll University. Placement: West Side Community House