Every summer, our office gets a little busier, a little livelier and a lot more fun thanks to our incredible interns. This year, four students from Furman University and one rising freshman at the University of Wisconsin joined teams across United Way of Greenville County, OnTrack Greenville and Greenville Together, bringing curiosity, fresh ideas and a willingness to jump into just about anything, including lots of backpacks.
Along the way, they learned a few lessons, met some inspiring people and discovered what community impact looks like behind the scenes.
Before they head back to campus, we asked them to reflect on their summer, what surprised them, what they’ll take with them and, in the spirit of the summer blockbuster movie season, what they’d call the epic film version of their internship. Here’s what they had to say:
HANNAH PAULSON
Furman University, Class of 2027
Hometown: Niceville, Florida
Major/Course of Study: Applied Mathematics and Philosophy, Minor in Data Analytics
Future Career Goal: Data Analyst
Internship Role: Data, Evaluation and Impact Intern with Greenville Together
How did you land at Greenville Together this summer?
One of my professors sent out an email with this opportunity. I knew I wanted to work in an environment where data was the backbone of leading decisions that help real people and make a big impact on the community. Greenville Together had exactly what I was looking for.
What was your favorite experience?
My favorite experience was getting to know all of the wonderful staff at United Way. Everyone was warm, welcoming and supportive. I loved hearing about everyone’s life and career paths.
What’s one thing you learned through your internship that you will carry forward?
I have learned that it is important to always be changing and evolving. Real progress happens when an organization is willing to have hard conversations and listen to the needs of the community.
If your internship was a summer blockbuster movie, what would it be called?
“Meet the Housing Heroes”
JAMES GARLAND
Furman University, Class of 2029
Hometown: Simpsonville, South Carolina
Major/Course of Study: Intended Mathematics-Economics, Philosophy
What led you to intern with United Way this summer?
I found out about United Way this past fall when I competed in a Furman Student Activities Board competition to raise money for nonprofits, HAVOC. During this event I was locked out of my dorm, forced to sleep outside in a compound of tents, and dressed up in costume for the week. I chose to raise money for United Way because, being from the Greenville community, I wanted to break the “Furman Bubble” and expose students to issues in our local area. I discovered this internship opportunity when I noticed an email saying, “Bank of America Student Leaders applications are still open.” Having prioritized leadership development in my first year at Furman, I thought it would be a natural fit. When applying, I noticed United Way was one organization to choose to work for, so I put it at the top of my list. I was lucky enough to be selected for the program and was given the opportunity to intern here for the summer.
What was your favorite experience?
I loved going out into the community to meet with funded partners. My favorite experience was getting to see and learn about the Greenville Literacy Association. They have a long and nationally acclaimed history of teaching people to read for the first time in their lives. Louisa Harris shared an especially inspiring story about Ms. Angela who put the work in to learn in order to read to her grandchildren.
What’s one thing you learned through your internship that you will carry forward?
I will carry forward the professional communication strategies I learned. The most impactful experience was sitting in on a bootcamp to prepare the Corporate Engagement team for campaign season.
If your internship was a summer blockbuster movie, what would it be called?
“Packing Hour: Inventory Mania”
MICAH BRYANT
Furman University, Senior
Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Major/Course of Study: Public Health
Future Career Goal: Health Policy Analyst/Community Advocate/Public Health Program Director/ anything fun and helpful
Internship Role: Ontrack Greenville Intern
What led you to intern with OnTrack Greenville this summer?
I met the OnTrack Greenville team at an event through the Institute for the Advancement of Community Health at Furman this past September. The OnTrack process really resonated with me and I wanted to see how OnTrack convened groups to support students. I also attended a Title I high school, so I’m very passionate about supporting students in schools similar to my high school.
What was your favorite experience?
Hearing from community partners on how committed they are to the mission of their organization, then seeing opportunities in our schools to help our partners fulfill their missions, dreams and responsibility to our community.
What’s one thing you learned through your internship that you will carry forward?
Relationships are the work; strong communication and empathy go a long way.
If your internship was a summer blockbuster movie, what would it be called?
“28 PACT Partner Meetings Later”
ASHLEY GARCIA
Furman University, Class of 2028
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Major/Course of Study: International Business with a minor in Latinx Studies
Future Career Goal: International Marketing Manager
Internship Role: Volunteer Engagement Intern
What led you to intern with United Way this summer?
I am heavily involved in the Riley Institute at Furman. When they posted this internship opportunity, I thought I might as well apply. Additionally, I graduated from an OnTrack school, therefore knew some of the amazing work being done in the office and wanted to join in!
What was your favorite experience?
Hearing everyone’s career paths. It demonstrated that you truly won’t know where you end up.
What’s one thing you learned through your internship that you will carry forward?
Regardless of one’s job title, everyone is helping everyone. I am extremely thankful to have kind coworkers who were willing to stop their tasks to help me. Plus, the office heavily emphasizes meeting with all departments to get multiple points of views.
If your internship was a summer blockbuster movie, what would it be called?
“The Intern Takeover”
BIRDIE PAUL
University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2030
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Major/Course of Study: Major in Elementary Education and Special Education with a minor in Education Policy
Future Career Goal: To be a teacher
Internship Role: OnTrack Greenville
What inspired you to intern with OnTrack Greenville this summer?
Coming out of my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to make the most of this “last” summer. So, when the opportunity to join the United Way and the OnTrack team presented itself, I jumped at the opportunity. I wanted to get involved in the community and gain experience in education work as preparation to become a teacher.
What was your favorite experience?
My favorite experience related to work has been meeting new people and making connections. Since I started, I have met at least one person every week, and I love having the opportunity to hear and learn from others around me.
What’s one thing you learned through your internship that you will carry forward?
I have learned so much this summer with United Way and through OnTrack Greenville that it’s hard to pinpoint just one thing, but a big one was definitely learning to use Microsoft. Throughout middle and high school, I only used Chrome, so coming into this internship I had no idea how to use Outlook, Teams, or any other Microsoft app. However, this summer, through trial and error, I finally conquered the Microsoft ecosystem. I will also carry this new life skill with me to college and beyond.
If your internship was a summer blockbuster movie, what would it be called?
“The Summer of Impact”