“Over the summer I had the wonderful opportunity of being the Cultural Resources Intern at Monocacy National Battlefield... I experienced so many unfamiliar experiences & learned so many new things. From invasive species, to historic preservation & archaeology, I got to learn so much from the most awesome people at Monocacy. Thank you so much to HBCUI, SODAS Life Inc. for enabling me to not only experience this summer at Monocacy, but connecting me with the greatest HBCU cohort. I made lifelong connections & I feel so blessed to have participated.”

“I believe this internship at Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, has caused me to become a much more methodical researcher. As opposed to simply reading a lot of information to deduce what is needed, I have been taught to look in certain spaces that most may not.”

“I had the privilege of interning with the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) at the Department of the Interior, where I gained invaluable experience as an architectural intern. Over the course of a 10-week program, l collaborated with HABS architects to survey and document enslaved buildings at the Pharsalia Plantation in Tyro, Virginia. My role involved conducting meticulous field notes, including measured drawings and detailed observations of door and window dimensions. I also employed a laser scanner to generate 3D digital models of the structures. Back at the Department of the Interior, I translated these field notes and digital scans into comprehensive AutoCAD drawings, including detailed floor plans, elevations, and sections. These contributions will be archived in the Library of Congress, adding to the preservation of our architectural heritage. Working alongside a dedicated team of interns and the esteemed HABS professionals was an enriching experience. This opportunity has significantly deepened my expertise in architectural documentation and preservation, and I am excited to leverage these skills in my future career.”

“Peace Everyone Hope All Is Well. My internship at the “Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument,” I was a historical interpreter educating the community about the legendary Medgar Evers. I am beyond grateful for this experience! The biggest lesson I learned was the power of staying in the now, learning to use the things around me to help create proper conditions for the future. Sometimes as a visionary you can get so caught up in the future where you may find yourself blinded by the present. Again, I am very thankful to learn & work in the home of the prolific Medgar Evers as he embodied the great quote, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” It’s Very Important to know his story & the impact he made not only in Jackson, MS, but the world! The work & story will continue & may our success manifest in incremental 2exponential format.”

“After my time at the Midwest Regional Office (MWRO) came to an end, I had the honor to participate in a week-long conference in Washington, D.C. where I represented the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Internship (HBCUI) program and SODAS Life Inc. Here, I was able to connect with other members of HBCUl, as well as other internship programs that the National Park Service. I also presented a 12-minute presentation that covered my summer projects/experiences in front of The Department of Interior officials and more. I was given a certificate of completion, 2 recommendation/evaluation letters, and vast amounts of information regarding federal resumes. The accumulation of these forms cements my Direct Hiring Authority. I was also awarded a standout digital communication award. This conference was such an invaluable and enlightening look into what the National Park Service has to offer. I am so grateful to have met all the people that I did!”

“I’ve developed a skill in working audio, great communication with visitors that are new to New Orleans, and performing with the Arrowhead Jazz Band.”