A Reflection on Interning at Raices
Article Author: Gerard Lapuente from Raices Foundation
As Gerard Lapuente's internship with the Raices Foundation ends, he reflects on the incredible journey he's experienced over the past few months. His time with the foundation has been marked by growth, challenges, and numerous opportunities to learn and make a meaningful impact. From managing social media accounts to collaborating on international projects, Gerard has been able to tap into his creativity and sharpen his professional skills. He feels blessed to have contributed to an organization that aligns so closely with his values of community engagement and love.
My Experience
As my internship at Raices Foundation ends, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment and immense gratitude. What started as an exciting opportunity has transformed into one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional journey. Here’s a look at everything I’ve learned and achieved.
The Early Days: Finding My Footing
My internship was smoother than expected, thanks to my previous teacher-student relationship with Raices Foundation’s COO and Founder, Astrid Vargas. The remote setting made it easy to hop on meetings, and the onboarding process was insightful, allowing me to discover my strengths as a growing professional. I discovered my strengths were in strategic thinking and influencing others, which has been invaluable during this internship and as I look ahead to future opportunities.
Key Projects and Contributions
One of the highlights of my internship has been the variety of projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on. Each task has contributed to my growth and deepened my understanding of the nonprofit sector.
Community Events Planning: I contributed ideas for several of Raices Foundation’s initiatives, including providing coverage for the Cancer Initiative — which assists cancer patients whose first language is not English, inspired by Yolanda Vargas’s testimony — and the Summer Food Drive for the Elderly and Youth in Bucaramanga, Colombia, focusing on high-need areas. I also brainstormed ideas for a potential Winter Food Drive in Colombia. These experiences taught me the importance of strategic planning and community engagement.
Social Media and Website Management: Maintaining Raices Foundation’s social media presence and updating the website was tricky. Balancing both simultaneously required prioritization, a skill I honed through trial and error and with my supervisor’s guidance and support. I also revamped the Raices website layout, learning how to use Wix in the process—a valuable brand building skill. Additionally, I created aesthetically pleasing posts for Instagram and LinkedIn, ensuring consistent content that keeps our audience engaged, motivated by God’s word, and informed about our activities.
Collaboration with Partner Organizations: One of the most exciting parts of my internship was collaborating with partner organizations like Stitching Talents and Project YAGE. With Project Together—a joint initiative by Raices Foundation and these nonprofits—I worked on developing social media content and a fundraiser to support a library initiative for students in Togo. This experience broadened my network and provided valuable insights into how different organizations can collaborate toward a common goal: educational equity.
Overcoming Challenges and Growing Professionally
This internship was not without its challenges, but each obstacle was an opportunity for growth. I learned to manage my time more effectively, prioritize tasks under pressure, and communicate my ideas. Adaptability and resilience became key lessons, especially when projects took longer than expected.
I also gained a deeper understanding of myself—my strengths, areas for improvement, and what truly drives me. I thrive in creative, collaborative environments where I can contribute ideas and see them come to life. However, I’ve also realized the importance of slowing down and thinking through decisions carefully—a skill I’ll continue to develop in my future endeavors.
Final Reflections and Looking Ahead
As I prepare to step away for the end of summer, I do so with a smile. My time at Raices Foundation has been invaluable, offering me hands-on experience, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve a community.
I’m immensely proud of the work I’ve done and its impact. I’m also incredibly grateful for the support and mentorship from Astrid, who made this experience unforgettable.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to take the skills and lessons I’ve learned here into the next phase of my career. Whether I continue in the nonprofit sector or explore new opportunities, I know my experiences and insights during this internship will serve me well.
Conclusion
Ending my summer internship at Raices Foundation is bittersweet and I hope to continue supporting Raices Foundation well into the future. Still, I leave with a wealth of knowledge, a stronger sense of purpose, and a commitment to continue making a difference wherever I go. This experience has been transformative, and I am thankful for every challenge, every success, and every moment of growth.
Thank you for following my journey—stay tuned for what’s next!
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