The Beginning of the Internship Journey
Finding an internship is the beginning of many students’ careers. School teaches us that internships further our education, beyond schoolbooks and lectures. Internships can help decide what you want your future to look like, providing you with experience and a place to apply what you’ve learned.
When I first searched for an internship, I knew I wanted to explore different media positions. I’m a media and culture major in my sophomore year. I always heard about different internships, but I never knew what I wanted to do. When I began the search, I scrolled through countless positions on my school webpage. I never felt very intrigued by the ones I saw.
Discovering Adoptions From The Heart
It wasn’t until I scrolled upon Adoptions From The Heart that I knew that’s where I wanted to intern. I read the description and instantly imagined myself in the position. I wanted an internship that would give me hands-on experience, while also providing guidance and a safe space to ask for help. A place where I could understand what it is like to work alongside a marketing team. Adoptions From The Heart had everything I wanted and more.
However, there was one key aspect that made me really intrigued, not just because of the position, but because of the company.
A Deeper, Unexpected Connection
Claire with her adoptive family.
Right after I found the internship, I reached out to my parents to tell them about this new opportunity. That is when I learned something that made me even more excited to intern for AFTH. My parents told me they adopted my sister through the agency.
In 2004, my parents adopted my sister through Adoptions From The Heart. During this time, AFTH had an international agency that allowed prospective adoptive parents to adopt a child from countries outside of the U.S. My parents adopted my sister from China. They loved their experience with Adoptions From The Heart and heard wonderful things about the company beforehand.
Adoption has always been an important part of my life. I was adopted from China in 2006 from Xuwen, Guangdong. My parents have always been open about our adoption, showing us pictures or videos from their trip or answering any questions we had. Having my sister, who was adopted, and a family to support me, has made adoption easy to navigate.
When my sister was adopted, my parents traveled with a group of 10 families to China. They all went through the process together, navigating a new country while being placed with their children. Since 2004, the families have stayed connected. We would go on summer trips where we would meet for a week. We would travel to places like West Virginia or New Jersey, with many of us living in PA.
Claire’s first night with her adoptive parents.
These trips always made me feel supported, connecting with other girls who had the same experience. If I ever felt alone or confused about being adopted, I knew I could reach out to one of the girls and find comfort or support. I have grown close with many of these girls, still reaching out to this day.
Shared Values with AFTH
Finding Adoptions From The Heart, I felt instantly connected to what the company valued. AFTH values educating, supporting, and making everyone feel included. They understand how important adoption is, no matter what part of the journey you are in. Whether you are considering adoption or want to learn more about it, AFTH supports you no matter what.
I’m excited to not only grow professionally, but also personally. I hope to learn more about the adoption process. It’s interesting to hear about what my family and many others have or will experience. Professionally, I am looking forward to learning more about public relations and what that position entails. I am excited to work alongside a marketing team, navigating social media from a professional standpoint.
Being an adoptee has made me feel more connected with Adoptions From The Heart. I feel inspired to help others feel the compassion, love, and support my family felt when they adopted through Adoptions From The Heart.
