Williamstown – Each summer, more than 100 Williams College students can choose to pursue unpaid internships in the arts, government, non-profit and community service organizations because they will receive financial support through the Williams Alumni Sponsored Internship Program.
"Now, more than ever, I [understand] the importance of my time at Williams," said junior Sara Echenique, an English major from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, in her report on her internship experience. "I have redefined my impression of personal success to embrace not only my own happiness and fulfillment but the respect of others both as a woman and an educated professional." Her work in Puerto Rico's office for women's advocacy was made possible by a gift in memory of Joseph Kershaw, professor of economics at Williams.
Nela Vukmirovic, sophomore mathematics major from Kotor, Yugoslavia, spent her summer interning at the Montenegro Ministry of Education and Science, thanks to a program sponsored by David Bartsh '74. Being involved with reform of Montenegro's primary education system taught Vukmirovic to "look at things from another point of view, to act on a large scale, and to think globally."
Closer to home, senior political science and history major Brad Brecher of Waban, Mass., worked with the non-profit organization Facing History and Ourselves, supported by a grant from the Kraft family. The organization develops resource materials for teachers on subjects in American and world history, including the Holocaust and the Civil Rights Movement. Brecher helped develop and maintain the group's on-line campus and said he valued his work because it "had a direct impact on the future education of students both in the U.S. and abroad."
Tova Meyer, a psychology and political science double major from Princeton, N.J., worked on the reelection campaign of Rush Holt, a New Jersey congressman. "My work this summer is an unmatched complement to my academic studies, and I will forever be appreciative of the things I learned and the program which made it possible," she said. Meyer's internship on the Holt campaign was made possible by James Marver '72, whose gift encourages students to participate in real world public policy analysis A number of students interned in the field of journalism, helping both public and private organizations write, edit, and produce news stories and features.
"I doubt that I could have had a better summer experience," said junior political science major Nirmal Deshpande, from Glen Rock, N.J. Funded by the Mead Internship program, Deshpande spent the summer helping to produce a PBS documentary. "At this point, while I remain unsure what direction I will go after graduation, this summer's experience opened up my sights to a wide array of opportunities."
Ainsley O'Connell, a senior political science and English major from Whitefish Bay, Wis., was a Levien intern at Newsday and wrote as many as three or four stories a day. "As I look ahead to my final year at Williams and make plans for after graduation, I don't think it is possible to overestimate the value of this past summer," she said. The Levien internship, named for Lawrence D. Levien '68, supports students who have demonstrated a hands on, significant commitment to, and substantive involvement with journalism at Williams.
Internships in the health professions were also represented. Erin Wagner, a senior psychology major from Lexington, Mass. and Class of 1972 intern, worked as a practice coordinator for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. "Overall, this experience has given me so much. I gained a sense of what goes on in a big hospital and realized that the healthcare field is my calling." The Class of 1972 internship provides an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in the areas of public service and public policy.
Reflecting on her summer spent in Chiapas, Mexico working with a community-based loan organization, junior economics major Phillips Macdonald of Dallas, Tex., wrote that her personal experience would be one she will never forget. "Living in another country … meeting people from different walks of life is something that I would have never had the opportunity to do had I not had this scholarship." Macdonald was supported by the Class of 1974 Internship, which supports participation in non-profit and community service.
Echoing the sentiments of the students supported by the Williams' Alumni Sponsored Internship Program, Macdonald said, "I sincerely thank everyone involved with allowing me to have one of the most memorable experiences of my life."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
Gracelyn Wright struck out eight, and Genevieve Lagess went 3-for-5 with four runs batted in as the Hurricanes beat Monson, 17-3, to claim their first Western Mass title in four years. click for more
