"Personal Reflections on Interning at Our Site: An Inside Perspective"
Julia Rosch's Enriching Summer Internship at Willingness in Malta
Julia Rosch embarked on an enriching journey during her summer internship at Willingness, a mental health care website based in Malta. The internship, which took place at Camp Willingness, offered a diverse range of roles within the organization's structure.
One of the key aspects of the internship was Julia's involvement in mental health blogging. She contributed to creating awareness and fostering open discussions about mental health topics through her blog articles.
Another significant part of the internship was Julia's role in providing low-threshold mental health support at music festivals. Wearing bright orange shirts, she was visibly present, creating safe and approachable spaces for conversations about emotional well-being. This role was designed to make mental health support more accessible and reduce stigma.
During the final month of the internship, Julia worked with children, including those with special needs, in a summer camp setting. Her responsibilities included leading activities, responding to emotional needs, building trust, adapting quickly, being patient, and developing confidence in working with children.
Throughout the internship, Julia learned to adapt quickly to different settings and unexpected situations, a skill that proved invaluable during her outreach projects. She felt unsure about her abilities working with children but quickly learned to approach situations with care and patience.
The internship provided a holistic view of mental health, combining psychological, medical, educational, and social approaches. Julia gained valuable insight into the daily workings of a multidisciplinary mental health clinic.
Living and working in a new country broadened Julia's cultural awareness and independence. Meeting people from all over the world enhanced her communication skills and confidence.
Julia's internship was incredibly diverse, offering her a deep understanding of mental health care in varied environments—from festivals to camps for children. This journey left a lasting impact that goes far beyond the internship itself, preparing her for the future and fostering her personal and professional growth.
References:
- Willingness
- Willingness Internship Programme
- Julia Rosch's contributions extended beyond mental health blogging at Willingness, a Malta-based mental health care website, as she also provided low-threshold mental health support at music festivals wearing bright orange shirts.
- Aiming to make mental health support more accessible and reduce stigma, Julia's role at festivals created safe and approachable spaces for conversations about emotional well-being.
- In the final month of her internship, Julia worked with children, including those with special needs, in a summer camp setting, leading activities, responding to emotional needs, and enhancing her skills in building trust and adaptability.
- During the internship at Willingness, Julia gained a deep understanding of mental health care in varied environments, such as mental health clinics, festivals, and camps for children, which significantly contributed to her personal and professional growth.
- Aside from mental health, Julia's internship experience furthered her education and self-development, promoting her success in areas like career development and fitness-and-exercise through enhanced communication skills, cultural awareness, and independence.
