As I wrap up my internship with Ride for Joy I can't believe how quickly time has passed, time really does fly when you're having fun! The last few months have involved some of the most fun I've ever had when it comes to learning. Being able to step out of the classroom and learn hands on really is a different experience compared to classroom learning. My academic experience has been great, I have truly enjoyed being able to learn more about my world around me through a sociological lens within the confines of a classroom. With that being said, being able to go a step further and go from "learning" to "working" through a sociological lens in the real world has been even better. As a sociology major I am intrigued by people and modern society. Even more so, I consider myself a hands on sociologist so being involved in the nonprofit sector has been right up my alley as I love being able to work directly with people, institutions, and communities as a whole.
When I was searching for internships I was specifically looking for a nonprofit but being able to find RFJ and combine my personal equine passion with my academic passions was just a huge bonus! While here, I've been able to experience everything ranging from working in the barn and volunteering during lessons to volunteer management, grant writing, and securing donor acquisitions; the learning spectrum truly was endless! If I had to add a "favorite" tag onto any of the tasks I completed, I would say my favorite part was being able to work directly with each of the staff members and not only be able to learn from an observatory standpoint but being able to actually do the task myself with guidance. I expected to learn how nonprofits work, but I never expected to be given the freedom to actually write grants or be the one to manage the volunteers for the day - making my experience so much more valuable!
Now I have the knowledge of different sociological concepts and theories I learned in the classroom, but I also have the knowledge of how those are manifested in real life and associate those with real people I've been able to interact with. I've loved to see (and be a part of) the way RFJ is really planting its roots within our local communities, bringing together a group of diverse individuals and institutions. I can't wait to see the way RFJ grows even further and reaches even more societal groups within our community! Before my internship, I hadn't really decided how I wanted to use my Sociology B.S. degree from a career perspective. While I knew I wanted to work directly within the community, I had always imagined being more within the juvenile justice system. However, after RFJ I now know I want to stick around to not only be involved within the scope of therapeutic riding but specifically with Ride for Joy! I have really enjoyed being able to work with all of the staff, volunteers, horses, and participants at RFJ. So, my advice to any incoming interns: do it all, you'll love it!
To everyone involved with RFJ: THANK YOU!
Hayley Navarro - Nonprofit Intern
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