Wonderland is excited to be partnering with TIPS (Teens in Public Service) again! TIPS connects outstanding high school students with internship opportunities at local nonprofits, helping them develop leadership and career skills.
Our intern this summer is Salma, a rising high school senior! Salma is supporting our fundraising projects, observing therapy sessions, and participating in virtual group activities as a peer model. She shared some thoughts with us after the first few weeks of her internship:
Why are you interested in working at Wonderland?
I’m interested in learning how nonprofits operate and how they help people in need of services. I’m excited to help Wonderland serve families and children and to see the impact of therapy. I also want to understand how fundraising makes these services possible.
What are you hoping to learn this summer?
I’ve been observing many different aspects of Wonderland, and I’m amazed by how much I’ve learned so far! I hope to work on my communication, teamwork, and public speaking skills, and to continue broadening my knowledge of the nonprofit world. I know that this will be an extremely rewarding summer!
What are your career goals?
I am planning to study computer science in college and to work in artificial intelligence/machine learning. I’m fascinated by the idea of self-driving, and possibly, flying cars. I believe that it truly is a revolution in the making.
I also want to create a nonprofit or a startup that can address critical issues around the world. I was born in Egypt and moved to the United States as a toddler. Growing up in an immigrant family, I have experienced firsthand the power of nonprofits that can really make a difference in one’s life.
What do like to do in your free time?
I’m an avid reader, and I also enjoy painting, drawing, and watching TV and movies. I love to eat anything sweet; I just don’t know how to cook or bake yet. Every now and then, I go out for a walk and just immerse myself in the beauty of nature, which is something we can easily overlook. Most of all, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family, even if it’s virtual.
We are grateful to have Salma join us, and we look forward to working with her this summer!
