Internship Reflections from Sonya Koenig
Global Ties Kalamazoo Intern, Sonya Koenig
As a member of the Kalamazoo community, I have been following Global Ties Kalamazoo for several years due to their mission of enriching the local community with global diversity. With an extensive background in traveling and a commitment to encouraging intercultural exchange, when I saw Global Ties Kalamazoo was hiring for an International Engagement Intern, I jumped at the opportunity.
I have now been at Global Ties Kalamazoo for four months and have learned so much. As an intern, I have had the opportunity to work directly with two international groups: one consisting of young political professionals from Mexico, Lebanon, South Africa and Ghana, and the other consisting of youth leaders from Iraq. Through these experiences, I have not only grown professionally but also personally. I am grateful for this internship experience, as I have formed meaningful relationships and unique understandings of various topics and cultures.
“Global Ties Kalamazoo ensures exchange is for all people, especially those who might never have the opportunity to travel far... Witnessing these connections firsthand has shown me the importance of creating opportunities for people, especially young people, to engage with different cultures. ”
In addition to forming meaningful connections, I have also developed a newfound passion and love for Kalamazoo. By writing proposals to attract international visitors to the Kalamazoo area and joining groups on their journey through the city and surrounding area, I have learned so much about the challenges, successes and uniqueness of Kalamazoo.
Beyond seeing growth within myself, one of the most inspiring aspects of this experience has been seeing how these groups connect with the local community. Global Ties Kalamazoo ensures exchange is for all people, especially those who might never have the opportunity to travel far to meet these communities themselves. Witnessing these connections firsthand has shown me the importance of creating opportunities for people, especially young people, to engage with different cultures.
“[Kalamazoo] is filled with incredible people doing incredible and inspiring work.”
This city is filled with incredible people doing incredible and inspiring work. Before this internship experience, I saw many of my friends leaving the area and felt there was not much for me in terms of employment or fun activities. I did not see myself living in the area long term. However, this past summer has given me a new perspective on Kalamazoo and the opportunities that exist within the community.
I am excited to continue working remotely with Global Ties Kalamazoo this fall in my new home of Boston. As I study urban and environmental policy and planning in graduate school for the next two years, I am excited to draw on the incredible work being done in Kalamazoo and study its challenges, with the hope of eventually returning to the area one day and be a part of its future.