I am fourth year student pursuing a degree in Geography with a focus on Urban Studies and a minor in Environmental Studies. I have a keen interest in sustainable community development and social justice. Throughout my academic journey, I have aspired to apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts. My passion for creating positive social change led me to pursue an internship that aligned with my values and allowed me to contribute to a meaningful cause.
The Native Friendship Centre of Montreal's Food Security Program resonated with my academic interests and personal values. I wanted to understand the challenges surrounding food insecurity and explore ways to address them within a community-oriented framework. My learning objectives included gaining practical experience in program management, community engagement, and honing my communication skills.
The Native Friendship Centre of Montreal is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a supportive and culturally appropriate environment for Indigenous individuals living in Montreal. The organization's mission is to enhance the wellbeing of the urban Indigenous community through various programs, resources, and services. The Food Security Program focuses on ensuring access to nutritious meals, promoting community cohesion, and fostering a sense of empowerment.
During my internship, I was actively involved in multiple facets of the Food Security Program. I assisted in planning, preparing, and serving meals such as hot lunches, breakfasts, snacks, weekly dinners, and monthly barbecues. Additionally, I played a crucial role in managing the food bank by assembling and distributing biweekly food baskets to community members in need. I also contributed to a successful grant application, which secured over $150,000 CAD for the organization. Moreover, I participated in building out and maintaining a community rooftop food garden, coordinating food and equipment donations, conducting price analyses for food packaging, and digitizing data collection processes.
My internship experience was filled with meaningful moments that left a lasting impact on me. One notable highlight was witnessing the positive influence of the Food Security Program on the lives of community members. Seeing individuals come together, share stories, and support one another over meals was truly heartwarming. Another memorable highlight was being part of the grant application process, which demonstrated the potential for sustainable funding to drive meaningful change.
While the internship was incredibly rewarding, it also presented its share of challenges. Coordinating volunteers and managing various tasks required strong organizational skills. Overcoming these challenges involved effective communication, delegation, and time management. Adapting to unexpected situations and collaborating closely with the staff helped address these challenges effectively.
This internship experience has significantly enriched my university journey. The firsthand experience allowed me to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world context, deepening my understanding of community dynamics and social challenges. The interactions with staff, volunteers, and community members have broadened my perspective and inspired me to continue working towards positive social change.
I am immensely grateful for The Carol & Lloyd Darlington Arts Internship Award, which has been instrumental in making my internship at the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal's Food Security Program possible. Established by Lloyd Darlington (BA'67), this award demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts. The Darlington's vision to enhance the economic and social welfare of marginalized communities resonates with my own aspirations for creating positive change.
I am honored to have been selected for this award, as it aligns perfectly with the goals of my internship at the Food Security Program. The emphasis on innovative and creative approaches to addressing economic and social challenges also mirrors the values I hold dear. The financial support eased the burden of everyday expenses and allowed me to focus on contributing to the organization's goals and fully engage with the internship experience. This award has served as a source of motivation and encouragement, reminding me of the profound impact that generous individuals can have on the educational journeys of students striving to make a positive difference in the world. I am inspired to continue my path of advocacy, community engagement, and social responsibility, fueled by the support of this remarkable award. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors whose support made this transformative experience possible.
My internship at the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal's Food Security Program has been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and connection. Through this experience, I have gained valuable skills, formed meaningful relationships, and deepened my commitment to fostering positive change within communities. I am excited to continue my academic and professional pursuits with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
