Meet JJ: Children’s Home + Aid Intern Turned Teacher

“I had never felt at home in a job before my experience at Children’s Home + Aid. When I started my internship, I quickly decided that this is where I want to be now and for the rest of my life.” These were the heartfelt words of JJ, an Early Childhood Teacher at Children’s Home + Aid. JJ began his work with the agency as an intern completing his Associate degree at Harper College.

Why does JJ have such a love of for working for Children’s Home + Aid? Because of the support he receives from his fellow colleagues, a passion for helping children and communities and the learning opportunities and responsibilities he was given as an intern.

​JJ immediately felt at home in Children’s Home + Aid for a number of reasons, beginning with his coworkers. “When I first started and met everybody, I made connections so quickly. I remember thinking ‘I’m glad I get to work with these people every day’ and I feel the same way today.” JJ expressed that the reason for these connections emerged from a mutual love for children. “Everyone is so caring. Everyone I work with is committed to doing what they need to do for the children, their families and the entire community.”

This is not the only time JJ mentioned his passion for serving the community. When asked what stimulated his interest in interning at Children’s Home + Aid, JJ stated, “I wanted to see the difference between for-profit and non-profit early childhood education opportunities. I had worked in a for-profit setting before, but it was obvious that I had not experienced the same feelings of fulfillment that I do at Children’s Home + Aid. Helping these families and seeing their children hit milestones; it makes me feel like I am really am part of the greater good.”

JJ’s internship experience at Children’s Home + Aid was also made meaningful by the responsibilities he was given. “My favorite thing I learned was how to work as a team. My supervisors let me take charge of employee feedback meetings. I learned how to get everyone’s opinion and how to behave in an unbiased manner.” JJ was not only given leadership positions on his team but he was also able to oversee all of the site’s medical records. “I was in charge of over 160 kids’ medical records at our school, including all of their hospital records and shots. It was an amazing opportunity for me to hold such an important role with the agency. It really made me feel valued.”

Now that JJ is working as an employee, he hopes to continue moving up in the agency and advancing his career from within Children’s Home + Aid. “After I receive my Bachelor’s degree in a year-and-a-half, I truly believe I am ready for the next step somewhere in the agency. This organization is a home to me. I would tell any new intern not to take this opportunity for granted because there’s so much to be learned and experience. I am so proud of what I have been able to contribute to Children’s Home + Aid.”

Children’s Home + Aid is committed to providing thought-provoking, real-world internship opportunities. We enjoy working with interns like JJ who are enthusiastic about learning. If you are interested in interning at Children’s Home + Aid, please visit our Internship Opportunities webpage or visit our Careers page for employment opportunities.