Over the past five months we have been blessed with an outstanding intern from Samford University, Terra. Her work ethic and enthusiasm is contagious. She was willing to do anything and everything we needed done. She will be greatly missed here at the Addiction Coalition. We asked her to share about her experiences while working with us and this is what she had to say:
My experience working with this wonderful organization began in January 2011. I joined this staff as the intern in charge of social media, but little did I know, I would also gain involvement in Birmingham area schools and knowledge in drug education curriculum. I was eventually given the task of starting a mentoring program for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students at Cornerstone. It was a privilege to raise awareness through social media outlets and guide seven Samford students in weekly mentoring sessions at Cornerstone. I am happy to have worked in these efforts and cannot wait to see their growth and success in the future.
I came into this internship with little knowledge of the effects of addiction and its harm to our community. After working here this semester, I have learned that addiction and substance abuse are a great issue in our area that need to be addressed. The Addiction Coalition is an organization striving to better the Central Alabama area. Through this staff and organization, I have learned that this issue is about community. The drive to eliminate addiction issues in our area comes from the desire to better relationships, our city's environment, and our community as a whole.
I am truly appreciative for the opportunity to have worked with the Addiction Coalition over the past few months. My tasks and experiences here have definitely given me the chance to raise awareness about addiction and prevent addiction issues in the children's lives through mentoring. I came into this internship viewing it as a job, and I am now leaving with a new passion-a passion to eliminate addiction and better our community.
Terra Garmon