High Point University provides its students with opportunities and important experi- ences through internships that help stu- dents gain insight into their future career.Internships usually help college students gain experience in their desired field of work, such as Emiliano Martinez-Don’s internship.Other internships give students an opportunity to do something they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to do, like helping people from a different country, such as Gabby Blayden or Will Hotham.Some students are even interning with HPU, like Anneka Kendra. All of the following students have had experiences this summer that have impacted their future careers and their lives as a whole.

Emiliano Martinez-Don: Intern for Senator Marco Rubio in Miami, Florida.

International Business, Class of 2018

Martinez-Don is interested in international business, and this internship allowed him to hone his public relation skills that he might need in the future.

“The greatest part of this experience was being able to build so many relationships with my co-workers,” Martinez-Don said.

He also mentioned experiencing a different environment where he learned multiple new skills that will help him in the future.

“A fun fact about my internship was that every day at 2 p.m., we made Cuban co ee to liven everyone up,” he said.

Gabby Blayden: Intern at Kalu Yala, a modern town being built in the Panamanian jungle

Interior design major, Class of 2019

Blayden is an interior design major and her focus “is to change environments to become healthier, more functional and more aesthetically pleasing.”

By working at Kalu Yala, Blayden is gaining first- hand experience for her career.

Blayden said, “I chose to work with Kalu Yala because of the opportunity to learn about and work with a sus- tainable development model. I also wanted to have creative freedom in completing a project that would help the community, which I am executing by designing a non-electric laundry system.”

Blayden said this opportunity is more than just work for her.

“It is a community, and a lifestyle. It is amazing to be surrounded by such a passionate, determined group of people who are so deeply rooted in the values of this place.”

Will Hotham: Intern at Sky Academy in Philadelphia.

International Business, Class of 2020

Hotham is interested in international business. e internship gave Hotham some experience in the eld. Hotham helped foreign exchange students from Chi- na learn American subjects and culture.

“China is a huge market and is continuing to grow every year, so the importance of understanding their culture and language is at an all-time high,” he said.

Hotham has found this experience to be more re- warding than he thought since he is given an opportunity to really know these students.

“I’ve always wanted to have an impact on younger kids to try to help them along their path and teach them lessons I’ve learned along the way, and this internship was a perfect opportunity for me to do that,” Hotham said.

Anneka Kendra: Intern with Student Life at HPU.

Math Major, Class of 2017

Kendra spent her intership providing aid and assistance to the departemnt of Student Life at HPU. She also served as a summer resident assistant. As a math major, this internship helped increase Kendra’s problem solving skills.

She says the most rewarding and challenging part of her internship is working with the students.

“Getting to be a resource to students in this capacity is such a change from being a normal student, and it’s helped me grow as a leader so much,” Kendra said. This is the first year Student Life has had interns.

Kendra said, “Something cool about this internship is that we’ll play a large role in shaping how this internship functions for the next years.”