What is your career goal?
I’ll be a Public Health Innovator & Entrepreneur
What was your internship funding source?
Yale President’s Public Service Fellowship
What were your duties/responsibilities during your internship?
- Organize and participate in door-to-door campaigns for the I Heart My Home Program. It’s a cost-free energy efficiency service for CT residents, spearheaded by the City & NHS
- Engage with religious leaders and facilitate educational sessions with their congregations
- Train Youth@Work interns and canvassers as ambassadors to continue the work beyond my tenure
- Analyze and provide insights on residential energy efficiency data provided by utilities
What did you take away from your experience as an intern? What was the value of the internship to you?
One of the most impactful experiences was our door-to-door canvassing campaign. Initially, I was apprehensive about this approach, as it required face-to-face interaction with residents, many of whom were unfamiliar with the program. However, as we knocked on doors and conversed with homeowners and renters, I quickly realized the value of these personal interactions. We were able to provide personalized advice on energy efficiency, answer questions, address concerns in real-time, and guide people to sign up for the program. This grassroots approach not only raised awareness about the 'I Heart My Home' program but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your internship? What was the most challenging aspect? The most surprising aspect?
Working collaboratively as a team to achieve set goals in record time, is certainly the most rewarding aspect of my internship.
From collaborating with colleagues in the Office of Climate and Sustainability to working alongside canvassers and Youth@Work interns, I learned the value of strategic partnership in achieving common goals. These goals included canvassing over 1,356 residential homes, completing the first phase of Polystyrene ban educational session, and the successful application of the EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) funding.
The most challenging part of my internship was enduring the summer heat. I underestimated how intolerant the sun could be despite our noble cause.
How has YSPH prepared you for this internship?
I am always grateful for my first year in YSPH. All the courses I took and the experiences I had definitely prepared me in some way for a successful internship.
Particularly, courses like Climate Change & Public Health, Social Justice & Health Equity, and Health Policy & Healthcare systems, were foundational to my understanding of the root causes of energy inefficiency amongst New Haven residents. Additionally, a practical course I took in the Fall—Clinic in Climate Justice,Law & Public Health—informed how I addressed those problems in my own capacity and with the available resources.
What would you say to a student who’s considering a similar internship?
If you’re passionate about playing a significant role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, this is most likely to be a great fit for you. The experience gives you an opportunity to learn so much while making measurable impacts.