Laura Drury

Agency: One-On-One Partners, Inc.

Term: Spring - 2002

Through the ICYF Internship Program, I accepted a position at One-On-One Partners, Inc., which is a non-profit mentoring agency in the Tucson community. This organization provides positive role modeling to children and youth who are considered "at-risk." The kids in the program are matched up with adult mentors, and they commit to spending one year together. During that year, several events are hosted by the agency to bring all the partnerships together and give them an opportunity to have fun and meet other partnerships. My position at One-On-One is to plan, coordinate, advertise, and chaperone these events. I spend a lot of time on the phone, writing letters, going to meetings, and doing public relations to make these events possible, but when the kids come together and have a great time it makes it all worth it.

Being in college for the past three years has given me a lot of knowledge about families, children, relationships, etc. but I really did not feel that I was adequately prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation. This is the reason I decided to participate in the internship program. It was a way to gain experience, put my knowledge into practice, and a chance to see what areas interest me most. In addition, it is a way to get involved in the community and contribute to the needs of the youth in this program. I chose One-On-One Partners specifically because I felt that the idea of each child having an adult mentor was a great way to reduce delinquent behavior and increase positive attitudes and outlooks for the children. It is an organization that has only one purpose: to better the lives of youth and children and that was important for me.

In the future, I hope to continue working with youth that are of the at-risk population. I would like to have a career in social work or in the legal aspect of juveniles. If possible, I would like to continue my education by pursuing my master's degree in Social Work. This internship has really helped me to see what my strengths and weaknesses are in the work force. I am finding out what my passions and interests are, as well as finding out what my fears and trials are. I have learned how an office runs, which was totally foreign to me before entering the internship program. I have also experienced staff meetings, paperwork, and deadlines, and have learned how to adjust and perform adequately in these situations.

If anyone is considering doing an internship, I would highly recommend it. It is such a great way to really experience what a career will be like, it gets you connected to people in the community, and it better prepares you for after graduation. Also, looking towards graduate school or a career, an internship will convince those who are reviewing your application that you are confident and responsible enough to have put forth the extra effort to complete a prestigious internship. Overall, it is a great experience that could greatly benefit the future of any participant.

One memorable experience I have had since coming to One-On-One was the day I went on my first match with the case manager. A match is when the junior partner and senior partner meet for the first time, most often at the junior partner's house, and they agree to the one-year commitment. This match was a real eye opener to the struggles and obstacles that these kids have to deal with on a daily basis. The home was filthy, there was no food in the house, and there was not even any furniture for us to sit on. This was the day I realized how much these kids need someone to teach them that they can succeed, that they are worth something, and that they can make it if they learn to believe in themselves. In spite of the conditions that they are faced with on a daily basis, a positive role model in their lives even for a year can make the difference for their future.

University of Arizona | College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
School of Family and Consumer Sciences | Family Studies and Human Development

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