Learning from our A-List Interns
Learning from our A-List Interns
A few days ago we had a lunch to thank our invaluable interns – Rumi Ahmed, Ami Doumbia, and Nancy Zhang — who will be returning to the High School for Economics and Finance in a few weeks. When we asked them for feedback on their experience at BCNA, they each said – diplomatically – that it was "wonderful" but then shared some interesting personal points of view.
Nancy – whose family is 
from China and for whom this was her first work experience – said, "I learned about working in an office and learned new skills which will be useful for me."
Ami — whose family is from Ivory Coast and for whom this was also a first work experience — said, "I learned many new skills that will be useful in my next job."
And Rumi — who came to the US from Bangladesh when she was 14 months old and plans to be a pediatrician — said "I learned two valuable lessons. The first is that, no matter how simple the task, by completing the work I am helping BCNA staff have more time to help their clients. I also learned the importance of completing the work as accurately as possible."
I already knew that these three young women were smart, ambitious, and had great senses of humor. But it was this conversation with them on their last day made me realize that it was their tremendous willingness and eagerness to learn that made them really stand out.
And, while none of them currently plan to work in the field of economic development, their experience at BCNA made them more aware of the importance of supporting low to moderate income entrepreneurs like our clients.
We want to thank Rumi, Ami, and Nancy for all the hours they spent updating data; making labels, and coordinating monthly mailings to our clients. But most of all we want to thank them for reminding us of the importance of finding ways to remain passionate and enthusiastic about the mission of BCNA.
I hope their teachers, college Admissions Officers, and managers at the companies they apply to for jobs see not only their high grades but also see that eagerness and enthusiasm to learn and experience life. They know where they can come for recommendations when the time comes!
