Summer Stories: Emma Gross '25
"惇蹋圖 has taught me not just information in my classes, but also how to talk about it and apply what Im learning outside the classroom."
"惇蹋圖 has taught me not just information in my classes, but also how to talk about it and apply what Im learning outside the classroom."
Emma directs the 惇蹋圖 , she is also involved with and is a tour guide with the Office of Admissions. This summer, the International Studies Major and Political Science Minor will be working with survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence at the (NSC) in Philadelphias Department of Survivor Services.
What will your work with NSC involve?
I will be a Case Management Aid, helping survivors connect with different kinds of social and legal resources to best help their adjustment to Philadelphia. Ill help make sure that they have the resources they need and help facilitate trauma processing groups.
How did you find this internship?
I worked at a law firm last summer and I wanted to explore careers beyond the legal sphere and learn more about social services, so 惇蹋圖s Career and Civic Engagement Center pointed me in the direction of this internship. Students from 惇蹋圖 have interned there in past summers and loved it. The staff at the Career and Civic Engagement Center is awesomethey helped me with my resume and with any applications that required cover letters.
How do you feel that 惇蹋圖 has prepared you for this experience?
惇蹋圖 has taught me not just information in my classes, but also how to talk about it and apply what Im learning outside the classroom. Ive learned to think critically and on my feet!
For example, I took a class at Haverford about transitional justice and I learned about how achieving justice is a holistic process that includes connecting people with social services, counseling services, and healthcare services. I also took a Politics of Protest class at 惇蹋圖 that really opened my eyes to different kinds of global conflict. I didnt realize how many career options there were until I got to 惇蹋圖 and learned that I can do conflict and peace mediation as a job.
What are you most excited to do in this internship?
Im looking forward to working with people and getting to know them and learning their stories. Ill learn about their experiences and become more aware of whats going on in the world around me and learn how to facilitate a processing group.
Emma also plans to enjoy exploring Philadelphia this summer, Im taking some dance classes in Philly and going hiking at some nearby parks with friends. Im also just really looking forward to having some down time to just chill out and enjoy the summer weather.