PSF Internship Profile: Simone Johnson

Name: Simone Johnson
Major: Bachelor’s of Fine Arts,  Textiles
Internship Site: Kinston Community Arts Council

How did you hear about the SECU Public Service Fellows internship program and why were you interested in being a part of the program?
I received an email from my professor at the School of Art and Design, as well as from my academic advisor.

Why were you interested in your internship site? What drew you to your site?
I was interested because it is at an art center and gallery site. There were potential opportunities to learn about art curator’s work, summer camps and develop sustainable art programs. There were also opportunities to network with many people and gain exposure for my own artwork.

What are some of your daily tasks/major projects that you’ve worked on this summer during your internship?
I coordinated volunteers and instructors for 13 art camps. I kept track of volunteers’ hours and provided support for instructors including printing images, locating materials and supervising the kids.

What’s been your favorite part of your internship?
Getting to know the people who work at this center, because I got along very well with all of them; meeting other veteran artists, whom inspired me tremendously; and learning how to create and plan art programs.

How have you seen yourself grow or your skills improve during your internship?
I noticed that I became more confident in making independent decisions when necessary, improving my skills developing excel sheets and tables, and improving my interpersonal with customers and other volunteers in the art center, including during phone calls.

How do you believe your site benefits through your internship?
I believe the art center benefited by having me running the summer camps, which freed the executive director to work on grants or set exhibitions in our building or go to meetings. It also benefited by having me teach one of the summer camps for children when the instructors were not available.

Do you have any plans to continue in this type of work after your internship?
I do plan to work at least part time or as a volunteer at this art center, whenever possible.

How do you believe you’ve improved the lives of local community members through your internship? If so, how?
I am not sure if my work reached this level, but I did get an offer to teach at a middle school. In the art teacher capacity, I hope to improve the educational experience of the students at that school and be a mentor to any of the children in need of one.

What advice would you give students that are interested in participating in the PSF internship program?
I would tell to be open-minded, flexible and willing to perform any job needed, even when you think it is not what you signed up to. Be humble and hard working and people will notice it and appreciate you for it.