Larissa Stanley

Responsibilities

During my internship, my primary responsibility was managing the Men on the Move Closet. I was responsible for maintaining and organizing both clothing closets within the building. The back closet served as the storage area for donations and back stock. I organized all donated clothing by category, such as shirts, pants, and jackets, and then further sorted each category by size. This organization made it easier to locate inventory and restock the main closet efficiently. The main closet was arranged for clients to browse and included sections for suits, pants, shorts, seasonal tops (winter and summer), shoes, ties, belts, and other miscellaneous items. I regularly monitored inventory to ensure that clothing in a wide range of sizes was available so that each individual visiting the closet had the best opportunity to find items that met their needs. In addition to my work with the Men on the Move Closet, I completed several professional development trainings through the Iowa State Youth Connect AmeriCorps program. These trainings helped strengthen my professional skills and expanded my understanding of the community and services throughout Iowa. Throughout my internship, I also read books related to the mission of the center as well as personal and professional development. These readings provided valuable insights that enhanced my understanding of the populations served and supported my overall growth as an intern.

Accomplishments

I would say my greatest accomplishment during my internship was building connections with the clients who visited the Men on the Move Closet. I truly enjoyed taking the time to talk with them, listen to their stories, and learn about their different life experiences and perspectives. Those conversations helped me develop stronger communication and interpersonal skills while also reminding me of the importance of empathy, compassion, and treating every person with respect. Being able to create a welcoming environment where clients felt comfortable sharing their experiences was one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of my internship.

Learning experience

One of the greatest lessons I learned from my internship was to take each day one step at a time and make the most of every opportunity. Every day presented a chance to learn something new, whether it was developing professional skills, building relationships with clients, or contributing to the organization's mission. I learned the importance of staying present, maintaining a positive attitude, and being willing to learn from every experience. By approaching each day with an open mind, I was able to grow both personally and professionally throughout my internship.

What advice would you give?

My advice for future students in my major is to approach your internship with an open mind. Even if the experience is not exactly what you expected, there are always valuable lessons to be learned. Every internship provides opportunities to develop new skills, gain professional experience, and better understand your career interests. I also encourage students to take advantage of the relationships they build throughout their internship. Networking with supervisors, coworkers, and other professionals can lead to future job opportunities, mentorship, and strong recommendations for graduate school or future employment. The connections you make can be just as valuable as the work you complete.