Internship reflection

Background

My name is Kyra “Kai” Ingco, and during my academic year, I was a Community Engagement Intern at the Virginia site for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Before pursuing a Master’s in Public Health, I obtained a Bachelor’s in Health Science at James Madison University. My academic journey equipped me with a solid foundation in health principles and practices. However, I knew that I wanted to move in the direction of community health instead of taking the medical pathway that was expected from my previous degree. Additionally, I also took an interest in substance use disorders and wanted to explore ways to help others into the pathway of prevention and recovery.

I found SADD during my initial search for a program that could fulfill my academic credit for my practicums. It was required that I find an organization where I could apply my knowledge in a real-world professional setting. When reading the details of the role of a Community Engagement Intern, I was pleased to learn that SADD’s chapter model is based on a peer-to-peer network and is student-led. To me, it showed how empowered and dedicated the organization is by involving both student and adult allies. Moreover, my previous experience performing a health needs assessment in school had also led me to become interested in traffic-related safety.

Responsibilities

My main responsibility was to advance SADD’s traffic safety mission through a public health lens, emphasizing impaired driving prevention, recovery awareness, and health equity. Additionally, my experience with this internship program led me to identify community needs and network with community partners that could expand mobility safety and drug prevention campaigns across Virginia. Through grant-related activities and peer-led programs, I supported strengthening SADD’s statewide initiatives and fostering deeper connections within its high school and university chapters.

Addressing Public Health in SADD

During my internship at SADD, I applied academic knowledge to professional practice by encompassing the core public health competencies and the 10 Essential Public Health Services. These objectives likewise embodied evidence-based approaches, communication strategies, and planning and management to promote health and wellness.

For example, one of my favorite projects was designing the Toilet Tabloids posters as part of our Poster Project Initiative, where peers can display traffic safety information on the back of bathroom stall doors. Much of the previous work I’ve been involved in was based on harm reduction strategies to shift risky driving behaviors. In addition, our SADD team has also pushed for increased health literacy and communication by using positive messaging instead of fear-based learning. By using humor, empathy, and optimism, we were determined to have our messages come across in a way that students could understand.

Q&A

How is SADD different in a college setting?

SADD is different in a college setting because while you have a pretty set schedule during K–12, being on campus requires more responsibility with your own time. On campus, you are also exploring who you are as a person, being exposed to different communities, and discovering the kind of person you would like to become.

What kind of issues have you tackled with SADD in college?

One of the challenges, in comparison to SADD in high school, is the normalization of substance use and impaired driving in college. I noticed that it was difficult to break the stigma of drunk driving, for example. However, one of the ways I have come to overcome this challenge is by displaying empathy toward the stress and pressure college students are experiencing, while also providing them with the right resources from SADD.

How have you integrated SADD into your field of study?

My direct involvement with SADD revolves around the issues of substance use prevention in public health and how that may impact traffic-related safety. Recognizing the impact of traffic injuries, I highlighted the long-term consequences of risky driving, especially impaired driving. This experience has also improved my skills in substance misuse prevention and familiarized me with recovery strategies.

What is something unexpected you’ve gained from interning or volunteering with SADD?

Based on my experience interning with SADD, I have learned the importance of advocacy in community outreach. Advocacy not only means standing up for what you believe in, but also doing something meaningful to help another person. By connecting with other community members and organizations, I gained better knowledge about reaching out for help and aiding others in their time of need.

What piece of advice would you give to other students who are interested in becoming an intern?

My first piece of advice to students who want to work with SADD is to never stop bringing ideas to the table. When I first started, I had no clue what I wanted to do to help communities. On the other hand, my team encouraged me to take a deep dive into my skills and imagination. Since then, my creativity has come full circle through the work I’ve done.

I really grew to enhance my leadership expertise by pushing myself out of my comfort zone as well. Whether that was through public speaking or presenting my projects, I knew that I became more confident because I had a supportive team of individuals right behind me.

Finally, it’s important to have balance between school, your internship, and your personal life. Other than the flexible hours, SADD has always accommodated my needs. However, it is ultimately my responsibility to make sure my work is done on time. I would recommend that students always have a set schedule so they can also have time to take care of their well-being.

How has SADD shaped your career goals, major, or personal growth?

My experience with SADD has strengthened my leadership, networking, and program development skills. By integrating public health perspectives into traffic safety, I’ve grown as a public health advocate and look forward to pursuing further community wellness and safety initiatives.