In the face of uncertainty and the new normal of remote work, we’re asking students in our Summer 2020 Virtual Internship Program what’s inspiring them right now.
Isabel, a Forensic Psychology major, is taking part in a virtual internship this summer at National Legal Aid & Defender Association, a nonprofit organization that advocates for equal justice for all Americans. Get to know Isabel:
1. Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, analytical, kind.
2. What’s your superpower?
Time management! I have become very good at managing my time and being able to dedicate myself to several things at once.
3. What about biggest weakness?
My perfectionism. I tend to want to be good at everything right away and taking the time to step back and learn is sometimes difficult for me.
4. Best compliment you ever received?
That I am a great oral and written communicator. This is an area I have worked really hard to grow in since starting college so hearing that it has paid off was super rewarding.
5. What are you studying?
Forensic Psychology & Addictions Counseling.
6. Favorite thing about what you’re studying?
The ability to understand why people do things. Having this perspective really opens your mind and makes you think before judging others and their actions.
7. Which school are you studying at?
Tiffin University
8. Favorite thing about your school?
The small-town atmosphere and the ability to have unique personal relationships with my peers and professors.
9. Where are you interning currently?
National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA)
This virtual internship was not what anyone had expected originally but we are all figuring it out together. This has made me be adaptable and open to change. That’s something I haven’t had to do much of before.
Isabel Conrath
10. Proudest moment at your internship?
Having my first abstract published in our NLADA Civil Team update!
11. Biggest lesson learned at your internship?
How to be adaptable. This virtual internship was not what anyone had expected originally but we are all figuring it out together. This has made me be adaptable and open to change. That’s something I haven’t had to do much of before.
12. Walk us through what a typical day is like.
Typically I wake up around 7. I go to the gym, come home and get ready for my workday. I attend meetings, work on projects and complete all of the day's tasks. Once that’s done, I usually relax with my family - outside if it’s nice enough - and get ready to start the next day.
13. Describe your virtual workstation setup.
My family has a nice screened in porch where I like to take my laptop and sit outside with my coffee and work in such a peaceful setting.
14. What are your post-graduation plans?
Hopefully attend law school.
15. A skill you’re working on mastering?
Listening. I think we are all taught how to listen to respond but I want to be really good at listening to understand.
16. What are you most excited about at this time in your life?
The opportunity to make connections with people and learn from them. There are so many brilliant people who have experienced all of the things I am about to experience and it’s great to learn from them.
17. What are 3 things you can’t live without?
God, family and the outdoors.
18. What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but are too afraid to try?
Skydiving!
19. What was your dream job when you were 12?
Crime scene investigator like on C.S.I.
20. What is your dream job now?
Juvenile Attorney.
21. Best way to decompress during these times?
I’ve been going on walks and listening to music. This really takes everything else off of my mind and allows me to just enjoy what’s going on in that moment.
22. What are you currently reading? / Current TV obsession?
I just started reading A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn. I am also binge listening to the Crime Junkies podcast.
23. What’s inspiring you in life right now?
The potential to make change in the world. Seeing all that is going on, it is inspiring to know there is so much room for change and growth.
24. Best piece of advice you’ve received?
That people can take your physical possessions, such as your car or house, but they cannot take your education.
25. Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
Don’t say you cannot do something. The worst that can happen is you try and fail. If that happens, then it is a lesson learned.
26. What would you like to be remembered for?
My willingness to use my knowledge and resources to better the lives of others.
27. What’s one thing nobody knows about you?
I love kids movies! Disney, Pixar, etc. they are just feel-good and never get old.
28. Best networking tip?
To just be myself, to be honest and open with the people I meet. I want people to know me, to remember me, and have it be the real me.
29. Favorite quote?
“Fight for the things you care about, but do so in a way that will lead others to join you.” - Ruth Bader Ginsberg
30. What’s the most important career/life lesson you’ve learned so far?
To trust the process, control what I can and believe that God will guide the rest.
31. What does success mean to you?
Being in a position where I feel happy and fulfilled by the work I do. Success to me will be doing work that makes me happy while being of service to my community.
32. Advice for other students such as yourself?
We should take the mistakes of others and the injustices of today to teach us what not to do and how to prevent the injustices of the future.
Are you participating in a virtual internship this summer? Got advice you want to share? Let the world know! Share your responses for a chance to be featured.
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