Institute for Children, Youth, and Families




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Intern Stories

Blaire Bankhead

Agency: Tucson Fire Department

Term: Fall - 2002

I am doing my internship at the Tucson Fire Department in the Fire and Injury Prevention Department. My responsibilities include assisting in maintaining the Adopt-a-School records, helping both Inspector Nancy Avery and Inspector Nikki Sprenger with their CARR Seat and preschool life safety programs, as well as various other tasks when needed. I am specifically involved with the Adopt-a-School program, which is a community outreach program for third grade classes offered to the Sunnyside, Amphi, and Tucson Unified School Districts. The Tucson Fire Department engine companies give interactive presentations to various schools on fire and life safety. I assist in the scheduling of events and equipment, reply to requests and send to appropriate personnel, input information in the computer, and maintain the calendar for the Adopt-a-School program. I am given the opportunity to conduct site visits by attending the presentations, and will eventually participate in the program evaluation. The Adopt-A-School Coordinator, Polly Elson, has given me the opportunity to work in all aspects of the program.

I decided to do my internship at the Tucson Fire Department because I was interested in the outreach programs the department had to offer the community, specifically programs geared toward younger children. I have always enjoyed working with children, and this internship gives me a unique insight into teaching, which I had not previously explored. My career goals have changed since I began my internship. Originally, I was interested in becoming a Child Life Specialist, however after working within Fire and Injury Prevention, and experiencing the program planning aspects of a department, I have found that my interests have shifted. I have always been interested in teaching, yet I did not see myself as a full time teacher in a classroom. Interning at the Fire Department has exposed me to a different style of educating, and has allowed me to consider a new career choice.

Being a part of the Fire and Injury Prevention Department has taught me a lot about teamwork. Since the day I began interning at TFD, I was called a team member. So far, I have learned how to be more flexible and open to ideas, specifically when dealing with new program proposals. Next semester I will be working very closely with the Tucson Hot Spots educational theatrical group by attending planning sessions, practices, and presentations. I believe that this experience will allow me to be more comfortable when speaking in front of others and allow me to test my teaching abilities.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship is being able to see the program that you have helped contribute to, become successful. I attended an Adopt-a-School presentation at a school in South Tucson, and to say that it was validating to see the children respond so eagerly when asked questions about fire safety would be an understatement. Watching an 8 year-old girl eagerly raise her hand and then beam, because she was congratulated for knowing her home address and phone number, is why I am so happy to be a part of an organization that thrives on educational outreach programs. I would advise anyone to work as an intern for the Tucson Fire Department. You will not find a more honest, hard-working, passionate, and dedicated group of individuals anywhere else. I get excited to go to my internship every day, and that makes my experience all the richer in my opinion.

University of Arizona
Family and Consumer Sciences
1110 E. South Campus Dr.
PO Box 210033
Tucson, AZ 85721-0033
Phone: (520)626-4433
Fax: (520)621-3401
families@ag.arizona.edu