CELEBRATING INTERNSHIP AWARENESS MONTH
April 2025 – Internships can be stepping stones to self-discovery, career clarity, and personal growth. They offer hands-on work experience, mentorship, and bring value to both the intern and the business who hosts them. Internships are where curiosity meets opportunity for students just entering the workforce, or for adults exploring a new career path.
April is Internship Awareness Month, and we’re shining the spotlight on four incredible interns who took that first step and are already on the road to success. Read their stories below.
Sarai - From Internship to Full Time Teacher
“I always wanted to be a teacher but didn’t know what steps to take to make it happen,” shared Sarai Roldan.
Sarai’s journey began at SkillSource in the Open Doors program where she completed her GED, participated in Project Based Learning (PBL) activities for the Special Olympics Winter Games, and completed two Work Experiences, which provided her with basic work-readiness skills to prepare her for employment.
TEAMS Learning Center, a local business, reached out to SkillSource looking to host an internship to help mentor students who were interested in a career path with children. An intern would learn, while contributing meaningfully to the business. Sarai’s career trainer, Mitchell Jordan, thought it would be a perfect fit for Sarai.
Throughout her internship with TEAMS, Sarai gained critical skills in classroom management, behavior support, teamwork, communication, and so much more. She also earned her First Aid/CPR certification, preparing her to be a stronger, safer presence in the classroom.
Sarai has now transitioned out of her internship and is a full-time employee at TEAMS! “She’s a fan favorite with the kids,” her manager, Makayla Martin shared. “She became a piece of happiness for the kids. And for us, it’s reassuring to know we have someone who’s reliable and cares deeply.”
Sarai has this advice for others considering internships, “Build relationships with your coworkers and don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s how you learn and grow.”
Roger - Transforming Community Through Recovery
The path to Roger’s internship started with personal healing. While finishing out his incarceration at the Wenatchee Valley Reentry Center, Roger attended the ACE Workshop at SkillSource in Wenatchee to create a brighter future for himself. As part of his own recovery, Roger attended meetings at the Alano Club. It didn’t take long for him to recognize that the work being done there aligned deeply with his own values. Motivated by a desire to give back, Roger began volunteering, which led to him being offered an internship opportunity as a Peer Support Recovery Counselor. Now, he helps others find stability and direction, coordinates services and transportation, and provides a lifeline to those navigating early recovery. Roger’s ability to connect on a human level, particularly with younger adults in their 20s and 30s, sets him apart. “Roger is very personable,” his supervisor, Diana, shared. “He meets people exactly where they are. Many of them don’t know how to apply for a job or even where to start. Internships like Roger’s help us build the future of what the Alano Club can be.”
What started as a personal transformation is now a community one, thanks to an internship that gave Roger the space to give back and thrive. Roger shared that at the end of the day he is exhausted in the very best way. Being a part of something that’s bigger than himself has added immeasurable meaning and value to his life. “I’ve improved everything, communication, listening, and understanding people better. I’ve learned how to meet people at their level,” Roger shared. “Being a part of someone else’s journey is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. I can’t see myself doing anything else.”
Elisa - Creating Confidence Through Content
Elisa was studying full-time at Wenatchee Valley College and working part-time in retail when she came across an opportunity shared by her TRIO Student Support Services program—a local business was looking for an intern to help with social media.
Through the referral from TRIO, Elisa was connected to SkillSource, who helped facilitate the internship at Zully’s Rolled Ice Cream, a small family-owned shop. Through her internship, Elisa sharpened time management and communication skills, teaching her how to work more efficiently, while honing specific skills in video and photography.
Elisa’s elevated skills brought big results for Zully’s where they needed it. One of her videos even went viral, jumping from the usual 400 views to over 18,000. “It gave me confidence in my work,” she said. “Coming up with new ways to promote flavors and making content to match is something I ended up really enjoying,” she said. A Zully’s employee, Alberto agreed, “Elisa’s work made a huge difference in building awareness for our business.”
Elisa has completed her internship and is excited about the prospects ahead. Her internship experience didn’t just sharpen her technical skills, it helped Elisa find direction. And now Zully’s is ready for what they expect will be their busiest season yet!
Jazmin - Finding Purpose Through Communication
“I thought internships were mostly for people who already had their careers figured out or were close to graduating,” said Jazmin Mendoza, a student at Wenatchee Valley College. But when her professor shared a communications internship opportunity at SkillSource, Jazmin took a chance, and it changed everything.
During her internship, Jazmin stepped outside her comfort zone and discovered new strengths and skills. While balancing classes and managing a retail store, she dove into real-world communications work, learning and applying key skills for accessibility, organization, grassroots strategies to reach rural communities, and foundational skills for outreach, interviewing, and storytelling. “I’ve learned that communications is more than messaging, it’s about understanding people, connecting with communities, and being intentional with every word and platform,” Jazmin shared.
Her supervisor at SkillSource, Kelli Martinelli, saw that spark from the beginning. “She’s made a real difference with some projects I just couldn’t tackle alone. It’s rewarding to help grow local talent with the skills we actually need, and offer real opportunities to people who live right here in the Valley.”
For Jazmin, the experience brought clarity and confidence. “The internship felt like the missing piece in my career journey,” she shared. ”
Her advice to others is simple: “Seize the opportunity. You don’t want to look back and wonder ‘what if.’ Believe in yourself—nothing is impossible if you’re willing to put yourself out there.”
INTERNSHIPS CHANGE LIVES
The journeys of Sarai, Roger, Elisa, and Jazmin illustrate how internships benefit the business as well as the individual. Their experiences at Zully’s, The Alano Club, TEAMS Learning Center, and SkillSource highlight how internships offer invaluable skills, purpose, and direction, while providing crucial support and fresh perspectives for the host organizations. Explore internship opportunities by connecting with your local college, reaching out to businesses in fields that spark your interest, or contacting SkillSource directly at 509-663-3091 or visiting one of our locations in Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Othello, or Omak.
