Michelle Janis

Agency: Tucson Fire Department

Term: Fall - 2001

My internship is with the Tucson Fire Department (TFD) in the injury and prevention department. My job responsibilities are helping with the Hot Spots program, filing papers and computer entries, planning and organizing children's fire safety programs, teaching kids about fire prevention, and lastly critiquing the TFD's school fire prevention programs.

I decided to partake in this internship because I wanted the experience. It sounded very interesting and exciting to me. I have met many wonderful people in my agency and have learned so much from them. I have learned how to teach elementary kids about fire and injury prevention, build good communication skills, and how to have confidence in my work.

I plan to graduate from U of A in spring 2002. I will continue my schooling at San Diego State University to receive my teaching credential. My goal is to earn my teaching credential in one year, then become a third grade teacher.

I believe that my internship has given me many opportunities and experiences that I would have never received from the U of A courses. I have met many talented and knowledgeable people, and look up to three of my co-workers for their great work ethic. I have made a positive difference in helping the TFD's prevention programs; therefore, I feel that I have also helped the Tucson community. I feel the most satisfied with my internship when I am able to reach out and help the community learn about fire safety and injury prevention. I am fortunate to have the TFD internship experience, which has also helped me grow as a person.

One of my internship experiences was when I went with two firefighters to a pre-school to teach about fire and injury prevention. It was my first time and I was very nervous. I did not think that they would understand what I was teaching them, or for that matter, even listen to me. I proved myself wrong. The kids were so attentive and wanted to learn about fire prevention. They were asking questions, participating in singing our songs, and practicing the safety actions I had taught them. The two firefighters thought I did a great job, but I still did not feel I00% confident in teaching the children. After my presentation, two little girls came up to me and gave me a hug. I knew from that moment on, my internship has been and will be a great experience.

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

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