On National Intern Day, we’re celebrating the entry-level candidates and university students who complete their placements with Youth Off The Streets.
Across our independent schools, crisis accommodation and support services, these much-valued interns assist us to change young people’s lives and strengthen their communities.
Here, Sonali, Nicola and Or share their internship experiences and the lessons they learned from working closely with the young people we support.
Sonali Mehla — Social work student
In mid-June, Sonali began her placement at Chapel School in Merrylands. The internship was a requirement of Sonali’s Master of Social Work course, which she is studying at Western Sydney University.
“When I first arrived each day, I’d help prepare breakfast for the students,” Sonali remembers. “Then, we’d sit in a circle, share how we were feeling and what we were grateful for, and answer a surprise final question.”
Sonali would also act as a teacher’s aide, shadow youth workers at initial student intake meetings and prepare risk assessments for holiday activities.
“I really liked the supportive and helpful staff and how different activities were prepared to engage the students,” says Sonali.
In addition, Sonali appreciated how the Circle of Courage – a model of youth development that prioritises mastery, independence, generosity and belonging – was implemented to enhance the young people’s learning.
“I learned that you need to be proactive and open to taking the initiative,” Sonali says of her time at Chapel School.
“I also learned how to build rapport with young people, so I’m happy to have had the opportunity to work with the Youth Off The Streets team.”
Nicola Kokozka — Student Support Youth Worker
Nicola has always had a strong interest in youth work — specifically, in the not-for-profit and charity sectors. Now completing the final year of her Master’s degree, she jumped at the chance to complete her placement at The Chapel School.
“The unpredictable nature of youth work is one appealing aspect about this placement. No two days are the same,” says Nicola, who began her internship in June.
On a normal day, she prepares and serves meals for the young people and takes part in a school-wide yarning circle. Nicola also organises group activities — like sailing and virtual reality experiences — on days when students are not studying their elective subjects.
“On days when things do not run to plan, I can count on fellow staff to encourage each other, problem solve collectively and ensure the most ideal outcome for young people,” Nicola says.
While Nicola’s understanding of social work is constantly evolving, the biggest lesson that she has learned at Youth Off The Streets is not to take herself too seriously.
“Many of the young people have complex, traumatic backgrounds – so if I can make one smile or laugh with a silly joke or a pun, that’s a success.”
Nicola has also learned to leave any personal issues at the door before interacting with the Chapel School students.
“If I am having a bad day and I’m not responsive with the young people, that’s ineffective practice,” she observes. “That’s why I always try to keep my mood regulated with fellow staff.”
Or Baba — Community work student
“Youth Off The Streets has been an inspiration for me to be more involved with the community,” says Or Baba (@orbabaofficial), who interned at Bowen College in February.
“Bowen was a beautiful environment and going there was the best part of my day.”
The internship was a requirement from Or’s college, as he is currently studying to be a community worker.
Like Sonali and Nicola, Or says that a typical day involved briefings and debriefings with the staff, taking part in “amazing” yarning circles and supporting Bowen College students throughout the school day.
“I did whatever was needed to help with their education,” he recalls. Sometimes, that support would be related to assessment tasks. At other times, students relied on Or to “make a joke or talk about life.”
These conversations contributed to his personal development in many ways. Specifically, they taught him how to demonstrate sensitivity and pay close attention to the things that he said.
Or is so grateful to the staff at Bowen College for facilitating the experience.
“Tim, Liz, Yasmin, Taylor, Matt and Laura — I love you guys!” he says.
Click here to learn more about the independent high schools where Sonali, Nicola and Or undertook their placements.