Internship Turned Inspiration

By Nicle Vidjak Simeral

Working for Harbor Interfaith has been one of the most humbling
experiences, says Melanie Amantiad, a 22-year-old native of Hawaii.
Harbor Interfaith Services (H.I.S.) is a non-profit organization,
which offers an extraordinary array of programs to assist families in
need, the homeless, and others who seek support. It serves not only the
San Pedro community, but also accommodates surrounding cities such
as Harbor City, Lomita, Torrance, Wilmington, and Long Beach.
Melanie has worked as an intern in almost all of the
comprehensive programs this facility has to offer, and has a true sense of
what H.I.S is all about. I have
learned to see the world from
another perspective, she says. She
began her internship in the fall of
2014 and holds a position in the
development department as well as
in the Family Resource Center
(F.R.C.).
Through the development
department, we work with donors
and non-profit organizations to see
who is funding who and to see if
they can fund us as well, the
Marymount Mariner says. Due to a
shift in positions, the original
volunteer coordinator was relocated
and Melanies responsibilities
expanded. She took over as a
volunteer coordinator, helping out
at the F.R.C., where she evaluates case files for clients who are in need
of clothing, food, and shelter, as well as assisting in the childrens day
care center.

Melanie chose to work at Harbor Interfaith because she wanted to

dive deeper into the community. This internship has given me the
greatest experience because I am doing things that I should have my
masters degree for and it is a really great hands-on experience,
Melanie says. To see the social work side of psychology is really
interesting and now it is something that I would take into consideration
as a possible career.
Melanies involvement with interning has taught her lessons that
she will carry with her throughout her career and life. The days when it
can get super busy and crazy are the times that have taught me to
communicate more, which I believe will benefit me career-wise in the
future, she says. Learning how to handle certain clients and knowing
how to ask for assistance is important as well.
With school on one hand and an internship on the other, Melanie
makes time to do well in both aspects. Scheduling my priorities is
important because I need to make time for both school and my
internship, Melanie says. Im still disciplining myself in perfecting my
schedule, but I recommend that people stay organized and stick to it.
Melanie plans on pursuing a masters degree and would like to
continue to give a helping hand to Harbor Interfaith. I hope and plan to
work in the field of psychology and get my feet planted, Melanie says.
As far as continuing with H.I.S., if there is an open door, I will
definitely take it. I can see myself working there.
Not only has Melanie gained more knowledge and expanded her
skills in the workplace, she also has become more connected to the local
community. My work ethic has improved and I have gained more
knowledge in a field that I hadnt paid much attention to until I started
my internship, she says.
Harbor Interfaith has given me more hope for this city, Melanie
says. From the people I have met to the stories I have been told, I have
become more grateful for my blessings and opportunities in my life.