Habitat Greater Raleigh's Summer of Service program is a unique internship that gives young adults the opportunity to work alongside our team, develop new skills and gain firsthand experience in nonprofit work.
Before heading out to job sites and Habitat ReStores to complete 125 hours of service, our interns spent an incredible orientation week at the end of June learning about Habitat's mission and developing the skills they will need for a successful summer.
We'd like to introduce these interns! Read below to meet the last batch of five participants and check out our previous blog posts to meet all the interns.
Arnav is a student at Apex Friendship High School and is planning to student Genetics in college. He is most excited to spend his summer working on the site, and seeing his work culminate into a completed affordable home for a family as well as a sense of satisfaction knowing he is dedicating my time to a good cause. In his free time, he enjoys making things using machinery like laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC mills, building on and off the construction site!
What does home mean to you?
Home means a place where someone can come back to at any time, knowing that they will be safe, their items will be there, and they can rest and be at peace in.
How does having affordable housing opportunities benefit our community?
Having affordable housing helps our community by making sure that anyone who falls into or is in a bad financial situation can have one point of concern mitigated, allowing them to focus on their circumstances, greatly reducing chances of homelessness and putting a community member in a better financial place.
What's one interesting or unique fact about you someone might not expect?
One unique fact about me is that I can do a fairly realistic Batman-esque voice.
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what is/are their name(s)?
I have a pet dog (German shepherd) whose name is hazel.
What's your favorite food?
My favorite food is chicken stir fry, usually with vegetables and rice.
Ladd recently graduated from Broughton High School and will be attending Wake Forest University this fall to study business. Ladd was looking for an internship that would impact the community in a positive way, and is excited to spend the summer with Habitat learning new skills and meeting new people. In his free time, Ladd likes to play soccer, video games, listen to music, and spend time with friends and family.
What does home mean to you?
Home means a safe warm and dry place to live where you can feel completely comfortable with what is around you.
Why is having a safe, affordable place to live important?
Everyone needs a place to live because a good steady life starts with your shelter. It is important for it to be safe and affordable so that a homeowner can be comfortable where they are living and have one less thing to worry about.
If you were traveling to a deserted island, what three items would you bring with you?
My phone, a speaker, and a fishing net
What's your favorite food?
Oysters
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what is/are their name(s)?
I have two dogs a sheepadoodle and a pitbull poodle mix. Their names are Cosmo and Charm.
Padraig is a student at Enloe High School and is excited about the Summer of Service internship to spend his time helping people and benefiting the community. Padraig hopes to develop his skills and start taking on more complex tasks around the site as the summer goes on. Padraig enjoys learning about history, riding their bike, and going outdoors on hikes and to stargaze.
What does home mean to you?
Home means having a safe place to live, a community you can be apart of, and a space to decompress after a hard day.
How does having affordable housing opportunities benefit our community?
Affordable housing brings new people to communities, these people, especially those who go through the Habitat system, have a nice effect on the community they become apart of. These people worked hard for their house, will then work hard for their community.
If you were traveling to a deserted island, what three items would you bring with you?
An axe, a field guide, and cooking set. I'd want to be able to live sustainably from what's on the island and spend time away from the mess of the online world, and then love a peaceful life on the island before taking the boat back from the island.
Who is your favorite music artist or band?
Elio Mei, The Crane Wives, or Evanescence. Can't choose one, they're all too good.
What's your favorite food?
My favorite food is Sushi, the way it can be made in so many different ways is something I find enjoyable.
Smera is a student at Panther Creek High School and plans to study architecture in college. They are excited to spend the summer with Habitat to learn the process of building a home how to build a house while also giving back to the community. Outside of this internship, Smera will be spending the summer hanging out with friends.
What does home mean to you?
A safe place for the people who live there and the knowing that safe place won’t change
How does having affordable housing opportunities benefit our community?
Affordable housing helps more people have a safe place to live and makes the community stronger
Who is your favorite music artist or band?
Chase Atlantic
What's your favorite food?:
Pizza
What's one interesting or unique fact about you someone might not expect?
I had 6 turtles
Vinay is a student at Cary Academy, with plans to study Engineering or Business in college. Vinay is excited to spend the summer working on a productive and impactful activity while also learning more about tools and designing and building homes. In his free time, Vinay enjoys playing soccer, going out with friends, and playing with his dog.
What does home mean to you?
I associate home with family, relaxation, and safety.
How does having affordable housing opportunities benefit our community?
Having affordable housing is beneficial because everyone can then have more equal access to opportunities and safety.
If you were traveling to a deserted island, what three items would you bring with you?
Flare gun, fire starter, sunscreen
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what is/are their name(s)?
2 dogs named Ernie and Ollie
What's one interesting or unique fact about you someone might not expect?
I was born left handed but I was taught to be right handed because it is easier.