A Rewarding Experience

Hi!

My name is Jodi Chan and I’m currently an intern for COPRODELI at the VA/DC office. I’m a first year graduate student in the International Development Studies Program at The Elliott School. I’m originally from the Bay Area in California and just moved to the DC area in August 2010.

My experience as an intern at COPRODELI has been extremely valuable and enjoyable. In addition to learning about the processes of implementing projects and grantwriting, the best part about the internship is working with other individuals who are passionate about what they do and making a difference in people’s lives. At COPRODELI I was able to learn a lot about development work in Peru and at the same time have a lot of fun working with other interns and staff who are very dedicated to helping communities living in poverty. Forming friendships and having a real impact on people’s lives are two aspects that I have found extremely rewarding. Furthermore, I was able to work on projects that focused on issues that I am particularly interested in, such as at-risk children and youth. As an international development studies major, I learned many new skills that I’m sure I will utilize later on in my career. Additionally, my experience at COPRODELI has contributed to my coursework at school because I am able to bring additional insights to discussions about international development.

I also really enjoyed attending COPRODELI events. On one occasion, I attended a photo gallery exhibit at the Embassy of Peru showcasing the work of photographer Christopher Kleihege. That event was a lot of fun and I plan to attend more COPRODELI events in the future!

Thank You Coprodeli

My experience at Coprodeli USA has been nothing like I would have expected it to be. Honestly I didn’t know much about what to expect when I applied for this internship. I figured it would be a lot like my past experiences with non profit work – I would be the only one in the office having any idea of what the actual work in my job description entailed.

I was mistaken, however. And gratefully so.

From the day I stepped into the office I was put to work. The work involved some papers, but I definitely wasn’t just pushing them. I was immediately given the Events Manual and flash drive to get myself better acquainted with the position and transfer all past work to my laptop. I was definitely a little overwhelmed at first but was glad to know I would be doing actual work while being able to apply many of the things I had been learning in class.

The more time I spent at Coprodeli the more I realized how happy I was to have this experience. Not only was I learning new things everyday, but I was working for an awesome organization. I got to see how much Coprodeli actually does for the communities they serve in Peru. The things the organization claimed to stand for were an everyday part of life in the office. Everything I, and the people around me, were doing had measurable results and the potential benefits to the organization could be seen. I was even more amazed to see the amount of work being accomplished with the very limited resources we were provided with.

My time at Coprodeli has definitely been more than 'résumé-building'. When I step into the office I feel as though I’m among friends… not just supervisors and fellow interns. Everything from the organization’s openness to new ideas – yes, even from interns – down to the time when the President of our Board of Directors met us for dinner just to stay in touch and get to know the new interns a little better.

I can only hope that when I start my actual career next Fall the organization will be something similar to Coprodeli. My number one goal in life has always been to make a difference in some way but thought that was only a reality for the very lucky… or very rich. Coprodeli has showed me that my goal is within reach. If I play my cards right I may even be able to start an organization that helps me reach it, always remembering my experience at Coprodeli.

- Rianna Felder, Fall Intern 2010

We have some great events to wrap up the year--please join us, and invite your friends along for the fun!

• Thursday, December 2nd, 6 - 9pm, at Simone's Bar, 960 West 18th Street in Pilsen. Join us for appetizers and craft beer, but more importantly: support the local artists that support Coprodeli. 5 artists will showcase and sell unique items (GREAT GIFT IDEAS), proceeds will benefit Coprodeli. More details coming soon.

• Friday, December 3rd - Holiday Stroll in Riverside. This is a town-wide event with many businesses participating with special festive activities (open houses, popcorn, face painting, cookies, hot chocolate). Santa visits the town center to kick off the event on a fire truck, and there is the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree. Coprodeli will have available Peruvian crafts and jewelry (GREAT GIFT IDEAS!) alongside other sustainable vendors at 39 E. Quincy Street. See you there!