Internship Adventures at Neighborhood House

Mitchelle Vallejo

How It Started

Starting my internship at Neighborhood House was a rollercoaster of emotions. Nervousness was definitely at the forefront since I’d never done an internship before and wasn’t sure what to expect. When I connected with my supervisor, though, my worries began to fade. Our initial conversation was warm and reassuring. She explained that this was a new role for them as well, so we’d be learning and growing together.

My supervisor shared her need for someone to track data, make observations, and assist in the sensory room, which she coordinates. Sharing stories about our experiences was an instant icebreaker, and I left that interview feeling confident and excited. However, the hiring process tested my patience. The background check took so long that I started to lose hope, but in September, I finally got the green light to start, and I couldn’t have been happier.

From the start, weekly meetings with the behavior support team were intimidating. I was tasked with responsibilities like taking notes during meetings, keeping tabs on projects, and presenting live updates on a screen for everyone to see. Talk about pressure! But over time, I got the hang of it and felt myself growing more confident.

The Goals I Set for Myself

I went into these internships with a clear goal: to build my professional network. I wanted to connect with as many people as possible, learn from them, and gain insights into their roles. My supervisor supported this ambition by encouraging me to spend a day shadowing each member of the behavior support team.

This hands-on experience was invaluable. I learned about the broader responsibilities team members have outside the behavior department, which gave me a deeper understanding of the entire system. I also received amazing advice and heard personal stories that opened my eyes to challenges and opportunities in the field. Looking back, I’m proud to say I achieved my networking goal and built relationships I’ll carry into the future.

The People I Met

One of the best parts of my internships has been the people. At Neighborhood House, the behavior support team became my mentors. Each person brought a unique perspective, and their encouragement made all the difference. My supervisor, in particular, went above and beyond to guide me.

What I’ve Learned

These experiences taught me more than I ever expected. I learned how to track and analyze data, navigate behavioral systems, and organize information—all while adapting to new challenges. More importantly, I discovered how much I love being part of something bigger than myself, where the goal is to help others. 

This internship has shaped my career aspirations, reaffirming my passion for working in child welfare and behavioral services. I feel grateful for every moment, every connection, and every lesson learned. If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what’s next!