This final week was an opportunity to bring together the research, observations, and project development from the previous six weeks. I completed my final report and consolidated my work on immigration access-to-justice barriers, economic challenges affecting immigrant communities, small-business support, and potential partnerships.
The most tangible outcome of the internship was the development of a virtual financial literacy and business development course that BIHD can continue using to support immigrant entrepreneurs and families. The project was designed to address a gap in accessible resources, particularly resources that can be provided in Spanish and in a culturally responsive manner.
I am most proud of the fact that my work evolved from listening and learning into creating something intended to have a longer-term impact. The success of the project was not solely the result of my own work. Conversations with the BIHD team, my previous experiences with financial literacy, opportunities to observe immigration processes, and the guidance I received through the internship all contributed to the final outcome.
The Change Maker values most visible this week were Ambitious, Determined, and Good,. Ambition pushed me to develop a sustainable initiative rather than simply complete assigned tasks. Determination helped me continue refining the work despite time constraints. Good remained central because I wanted the project to genuinely serve BIHD's community.
The character dimensions most tested across the entire experience were humility, judgment, adaptability, and responsibility. Judgment mattered when determining what recommendations were realistic. Adaptability mattered as the project evolved. Humility mattered because I entered an unfamiliar field and had to learn from people with much more direct experience than I had.
Several moments stand out from the internship: learning about immigration policies that I had previously encountered only in the abstract, attending court hearings for BIHD clients, developing relationships with members of the BIHD team, and realizing how many barriers immigrant families face beyond their legal status. I hope my contribution can provide BIHD with an additional framework for supporting clients' financial independence and entrepreneurial goals.
The experience also changed my understanding of leadership. I entered the internship thinking primarily about what I could accomplish. I am leaving with a stronger understanding that leadership is also about listening, building relationships, recognizing the expertise of others, and creating structures that can continue beyond your own involvement.
