Often, success in college is measured by success in the classroom, but when students find on-the-job learning opportunities, they’re able to bring their coursework to life in whole new ways. With our internship program, we’re excited to offer learning opportunities and access to the field of philanthropy, which too often can be exclusive and hard to break into. Please join us in welcoming Yessenia to the CFSC team!
- What’s your story?
I am a first-generation, Mexican American currently working on my third year of college at Sonoma State University. I am passionate about environmental justice and believe we all deserve to live on a planet where fresh air is accessible to all, and not taken for granted. I love the outdoors and I am an avid rock-climber and enjoy going on hikes. Currently, I am part of my school’s rowing team where I have found a community within. I also enjoy expressing my creativity through singing and dancing. I love traveling and exploring, which has led me to multiple different parts of the world such as Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Hawaii where I learned how to surf. On my down time, you can find me spending time with my friends and family or looking after my two pet guinea pigs, Karl and Jess.
- What drew you to this internship program?
I am a firm believer in leaving a place better than how you found it, so being born, and raised in Petaluma, giving back to my community, and being involved in community outreach were big incentives for me to do this internship. I believe a community can come up with solutions to problems and would love to be a part of an organization doing that work.
- What do you hope to gain or accomplish during your time at CFSC?
I hope to gain a new set of skills ranging from office skills, communication skills, presentation skills and many other strengths that will also allow me to excel in school. I hope to be a helpful hand to my fellow peers at CFSC. I am very malleable and happy to help make things smooth and easy for everyone else on the team.
- What are your future career goals?
Rather than limiting myself to one specific job or career, I am open to having one career lead me to another and letting my skills guide me to different careers. I am currently working towards my bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice which I hope leads me to law school to become a lawyer where I can learn to specialize in environmental policy. I hope to incorporate much of what I learn at CFSC into my future careers.
