My Summer at Behind the Book
I went into college knowing that my education is the most important thing that I’ve been given in my life, even if I didn’t want to become a teacher myself.
I did not expect that a summer at a non-profit in Harlem would change my mind. Now, as an intern at BtB, I had many intern-ish tasks that never seemed to end—emails, recycling, photos, printing, emails, researching, emails, making spreadsheets, and did I mention emails? However, in the month of July, I got to help my Program Coordinator, Casey, coordinate, organize, and implement five summer programs at M.S. 223 in the Bronx. Over the course of four weeks, we went to the South Bronx every day and hung out with eighty-five sixth and seventh graders.
It’s one thing to read about what this organization does, and it’s another to experience it. It’s yet another to try to capture it in photos, artwork, writings, and memories. A large part of my job was to take pictures of the students during the program, and I think I got a few good shots. But I was not quick enough to capture some of the moments that will stick with me well beyond this summer. I did not get a picture of one student standing up, surrounded by thirty-three classmates, and sharing a story about how he feels like a new kid when he gets called out for being late by his teacher (who was standing in the room as he was reading this aloud). I couldn’t capture the look of astonishment, of pride, on an author’s face after reading what a student wrote in response to his book. I didn’t get a picture when an author mentioned that his favorite superhero movie featured Miles Morales, and the room started buzzing with excitement at the mention of his name.
Behind the Book does so much with not a whole lot, and it’s the only organization of its kind. It doesn’t just promote literacy, or bring authors into classrooms, or give away books; it expands students’ understanding of their own education. It expanded my understanding of my own, and it made me realize that middle schoolers aren’t so bad after all. In fact, I might just want to work with some someday.
If you’re interested in an internship with Behind the Book, we offer programs, social media, and fundraising internships.
by Sarah Hilligoss