HTHI: Junior Year Internship 2012
Name: Alexandra Nambo
Internship Advisor: Nicole Hubbard
Mentor: Anne Chu
Interning at: Confucius Institute at SDSU
Intern period: January 5-27th
I attended High Tech High International from 2009-2013. Here is a link to my digital portfolio to showcase work from school and in the future. In junior year of high school we were given an opportunity to have a month of school to be able to intern. I will be working with the Confucius Institute assisting in the office and with community events to help promote the program.
The Confucius Institute is a program working to promote trilingual backgrounds and spreading the Chinese language and culture in schools.
Internship Advisor: Nicole Hubbard
Mentor: Anne Chu
Interning at: Confucius Institute at SDSU
Intern period: January 5-27th
I attended High Tech High International from 2009-2013. Here is a link to my digital portfolio to showcase work from school and in the future. In junior year of high school we were given an opportunity to have a month of school to be able to intern. I will be working with the Confucius Institute assisting in the office and with community events to help promote the program.
The Confucius Institute is a program working to promote trilingual backgrounds and spreading the Chinese language and culture in schools.
01/05/12
At my first day I got to listen in on a meeting and learn the main goal of the Confucius Institute. I didn't realize it was a rare opportunity to be able to be there when visitors interested in the CI from other schools came to speak about the demand in Chinese classes. I got to take photos while they discussed. Not only did I get to be in a business oriented environment, it was nice to hear Anne Chu and Lilly Cheng present the history and past events produced by the CI being put in the place and the amount of effort for it to be created. My first task was to update the documents of schools that have classes with the Confucius Institute. After I was done with that I researched about the Chinese New Year to create a flyer that would have the colors of this festivity for a celebration at Riverview Elementary. I was able to interview my mentor today and learn about one of my projects that will include helping to plan for a Chinese New Year fair.
Fun fact of the day: Red and Gold are colors of celebration and happiness while black and white is mostly used for funerals...
Oh! and it's so cool how they have documented photos from the beginning of the CI to now and it's all on their flickr page!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cisdsu/
Mentor Interview
A typical workday at the Confucius Institute has to do with presentations and spreading the messages to spread the Chinese culture and language to offer a tri-lingual future. In the office there is a group effort in completing tasks from schools' events and the organization of keeping track of CI events and visits. There are staff workers as well as staffed interns and volunteers. They all work together to keep things running smoothly. Their website contains a majority of the important information that is also translated into Mandarin and Spanish. Last minute tasks happen often as requests come in for the CI and will always get done as soon as possible. There is a huge amount of support from the CI for all schools that have worked with them. A method of using culture and art with crafts helps the goal of the CI. Help is always possible for those that are willing and wanting to learn about the Chinese culture.
Anne Chu, my mentor, is in charge of keeping track of all Confucius classes. She is one of the main people in charge of organizing and documenting all events. In the Trilangual partnersihip , CI in the Arts and Letters building with SDSU.
The organization is structured by levels of experience but still remains as a group effort. Each duty is designed to create an environment where everyone is informed of all tasks and events that need proper planning. Presentations help clear the message of the CI
My mentor has had years of experience in the retail business. She was self employed for 30 years. She focused on marketing, human resources, events and programs, as well as employment training.
The best part about working at the CI is because it is a educational field that is rewarding. It is outcome based as it is a good feeling to see the joy of learning from students.
To be successful is to be willing to learn. Although skills in your specific tasks are helpful, you must also be a team member and learn to work with others.
There is no job too big or too small when you work. If you put in the effort, you can achieve a successful career.
"Keep your eyes and ears open to all the information around you."
Fun fact of the day: Red and Gold are colors of celebration and happiness while black and white is mostly used for funerals...
Oh! and it's so cool how they have documented photos from the beginning of the CI to now and it's all on their flickr page!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cisdsu/
Mentor Interview
A typical workday at the Confucius Institute has to do with presentations and spreading the messages to spread the Chinese culture and language to offer a tri-lingual future. In the office there is a group effort in completing tasks from schools' events and the organization of keeping track of CI events and visits. There are staff workers as well as staffed interns and volunteers. They all work together to keep things running smoothly. Their website contains a majority of the important information that is also translated into Mandarin and Spanish. Last minute tasks happen often as requests come in for the CI and will always get done as soon as possible. There is a huge amount of support from the CI for all schools that have worked with them. A method of using culture and art with crafts helps the goal of the CI. Help is always possible for those that are willing and wanting to learn about the Chinese culture.
Anne Chu, my mentor, is in charge of keeping track of all Confucius classes. She is one of the main people in charge of organizing and documenting all events. In the Trilangual partnersihip , CI in the Arts and Letters building with SDSU.
The organization is structured by levels of experience but still remains as a group effort. Each duty is designed to create an environment where everyone is informed of all tasks and events that need proper planning. Presentations help clear the message of the CI
My mentor has had years of experience in the retail business. She was self employed for 30 years. She focused on marketing, human resources, events and programs, as well as employment training.
The best part about working at the CI is because it is a educational field that is rewarding. It is outcome based as it is a good feeling to see the joy of learning from students.
To be successful is to be willing to learn. Although skills in your specific tasks are helpful, you must also be a team member and learn to work with others.
There is no job too big or too small when you work. If you put in the effort, you can achieve a successful career.
"Keep your eyes and ears open to all the information around you."
1/06/12
Lilly Cheng is the main leader of the CI. I think I can learn from her since she has had experience with business, planning, and languages. On the first day I got to hear her speak about the process in which CI teachers and volunteers are hired for other schools to spread the ideas of the institute as it is becoming of interest as mandarin is becoming one of the main languages used like English and Spanish. One of the things she said that I remember most is that if someone is able to speak English, Spanish, and Mandarin they would be able to speak with 70% of the population. Another thing that she has said that has influenced me already is when she pointed out that there is no point in wasting time so find out what your goal in mind is and work towards it in order to be successful. The organized manner and enthusiasm she has for her job as well as the other staff members help show the dedication they have for their culture.
Fun fact of the day: I didn't have one for today but yesterday Ni, a staffed intern, gave me sweet soup with lotus seeds and dates!
Fun fact of the day: I didn't have one for today but yesterday Ni, a staffed intern, gave me sweet soup with lotus seeds and dates!
1/09/12
The location of CI is in the Arts & Letters building on the SDSU campus. It has two offices in the back and the rest of the room is separated in half. On one side there is a table to discuss while the other side has 4 computers available to work with as well as a small kitchen near the back. It's decorated with photos of CI events and traditional Chinese art. Whenever someone comes in the room they are always very polite and kind. It is a traditional way to greet someone and offer them tea if they come in to visit.
When I work I just go on any computer available and spend most of my time editing. So far I've been able to talk to 4 of the people that work there but there is actually a lot more but are on vacation.
I work from 9am-5pm on weekdays
Fun fact of the day: I've never needed to answer a phone before and when I was asked to do so I had to write a script in order to remain professional...
When I work I just go on any computer available and spend most of my time editing. So far I've been able to talk to 4 of the people that work there but there is actually a lot more but are on vacation.
I work from 9am-5pm on weekdays
Fun fact of the day: I've never needed to answer a phone before and when I was asked to do so I had to write a script in order to remain professional...
1/11/12
_ My mentor has left so I am now supervised by Jessie and Jonathan from the Confucius Institute.
So far I have been working on flyers for schools that have Confucius classrooms and continue to have events surrounding the Chinese culture.
As for my project I will be in charge of setting up at the Chinese New Year fair that will be in downtown San Diego on the 28th and the event ends on the 29th. I get to learn how to manage and be organized in setting up for the fair. I'm nervous about being good at knowing what I'm doing and acting like it since I'm shy most of the time. This will help the organization celebrate the new year as well as promoting the culture to get more people interested. It's exciting to be able to know how an event like this is planned out and executed.There are also several other events and ceremonies done in the time leading up to the Chinese New Year.
Fun fact of the day: Tauyen (Tau Yen?) = so annoying!!! Use when frustrated :)
Just a tip: Paint.net can pretty much do the same things that Photoshop can!
So far I have been working on flyers for schools that have Confucius classrooms and continue to have events surrounding the Chinese culture.
As for my project I will be in charge of setting up at the Chinese New Year fair that will be in downtown San Diego on the 28th and the event ends on the 29th. I get to learn how to manage and be organized in setting up for the fair. I'm nervous about being good at knowing what I'm doing and acting like it since I'm shy most of the time. This will help the organization celebrate the new year as well as promoting the culture to get more people interested. It's exciting to be able to know how an event like this is planned out and executed.There are also several other events and ceremonies done in the time leading up to the Chinese New Year.
Fun fact of the day: Tauyen (Tau Yen?) = so annoying!!! Use when frustrated :)
Just a tip: Paint.net can pretty much do the same things that Photoshop can!
1/12/12
Taking a break from some work time at the office.
I thought I didn't really have much to do today until I asked Lilly and she gave me a task to research on the Year of the Dragon and sort through the school events that the CI attended in 2011. I am getting the experience of working and it isn't too as scary as I thought it was. It's kind of just like working on projects like how we do at HTHI.
Fun fact of the day: In the past if you used dragon images with 5 toes you would be sentenced to death! The rule was that only the emperor may use it and those of a lower class must use the images of a dragon with 3 or 4 toes.
I thought I didn't really have much to do today until I asked Lilly and she gave me a task to research on the Year of the Dragon and sort through the school events that the CI attended in 2011. I am getting the experience of working and it isn't too as scary as I thought it was. It's kind of just like working on projects like how we do at HTHI.
Fun fact of the day: In the past if you used dragon images with 5 toes you would be sentenced to death! The rule was that only the emperor may use it and those of a lower class must use the images of a dragon with 3 or 4 toes.
1/17/12
_At
my first week of internship I worked on flyers for the Chinese New Year
as well as organizing event binders for all schools with Confucius
classrooms. The environment isn’t as intimidating as it use to be so now
I’m getting use to focusing on one task at a time to work more
effectively. I also like getting feedback for my work to change it up
until it feels complete. At the beginning I was more timid and dreaded
answering the phone because I would not get all the information needed.
Now I have a sheet that I use to practice and edit whenever I answer
calls. I’m still kind of practicing since I’m not good with handling
situations with so many questions but I don’t sound nervous anymore! It's still awkward when someone speaks Chinese and I don't have time to transfer quickly...
Fun fact of the day: In Chinese culture dragons aren't seen as fire breathing creatures. They are praised and known to be able control the weather.
Fun fact of the day: In Chinese culture dragons aren't seen as fire breathing creatures. They are praised and known to be able control the weather.
1/18/12
Today I read some of my friends blogs on their progress at their internship. Natalia is working at San Diego Coastkeeper and it shows how it's important to stay organized and document work done by a certain company/organization. Raymundo is working at Kate Session Elementary and I think it's cool that he gets to know what teachers actually grow through helping students. I think it shows that not every job is as it seems. I also read Juan Ramon's site and it shows how making a good final product can help a business. Overall it's nice feeling like we're all growing up and getting an experience that not everyone can get in high school.
Fun fact of the day: I just got to eat a little purple octopus filled with egg white
Fun fact of the day: I just got to eat a little purple octopus filled with egg white
1/19/12
The work week compared to the school week is pretty much the same to me. The only difference is that I have to wait an hour before work compared to the 30 minutes I usually have to wait for school. The work week passes by quicker. I could be working on something at work for 3 hours and it ends up feeling like only 20 minutes passed by. I feel more interested in working than before. I was use to wasting time and finishing things last minute but I'm actually taking the time to understand what I'm doing being at the Confucius Institute.
Fun fact of the day: Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! Happy New Year...next week
Fun fact of the day: Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! Happy New Year...next week
Flyers I've made for the Chinese New Year Events
1/23/12
_In preparation for IPOL- Internship Presentation of Learning Pt. 1
1. How was your work significant or meaningful to your workplace ?
The tasks that I have had so far interning at the Confucius Institute has been organizing the event binders for schools that have Confucius classrooms, answering calls, creating flyers for the Chinese New Year Events, and researching information regarding the Chinese Zodiac Animals as well as the year of the dragon. Each task had a purpose to help the Confucius Institute
Organization in the work place is important to be able to see what has been accomplished. For the school documents it shows the amount of effort put in throughout the year by schools and the CI.
The Chinese New Year is approaching and I have worked on a few flyers for schools and their events. Being the only one working on making the event’s flyer I am helping to promote the events. I got feedback from others in the office until I had enough information in a good layout to post on CI’s facebook page, bulletins, and so on to get people to come to the events.
I will be helping at the CI booth that will be in the Chinese New Year fair so I have researched information about the coming year and why it is a reason to celebrate! There will be face painting and calligraphy so I will be a volunteer to get people interested.
2. How did your project(s) go from an idea or inspiration to a final product? Explain the processes from the initial idea to the final product and the skills that you used and developed.
Well the idea for the project wasn’t really an idea...since Chinese New Year is coming up so performances and festivities will be happening throughout the 15 day celebration. Chinese New Year starts today and I have finished the flyer for the weekend event in Downtown San Diego. I will be able to learn about Chinese calligraphy and help with face painting at a booth reserved for the CI at the event so that's kind of like my project. Being organized for helping setting up and just being a part of it will show my efforts in helping out the institute in the office and at an event.
Fun fact of the day: Gōng xǐ fā cái, hóng bāo ná lái – Happy New Year, now give me a red envelope!
1. How was your work significant or meaningful to your workplace ?
The tasks that I have had so far interning at the Confucius Institute has been organizing the event binders for schools that have Confucius classrooms, answering calls, creating flyers for the Chinese New Year Events, and researching information regarding the Chinese Zodiac Animals as well as the year of the dragon. Each task had a purpose to help the Confucius Institute
Organization in the work place is important to be able to see what has been accomplished. For the school documents it shows the amount of effort put in throughout the year by schools and the CI.
The Chinese New Year is approaching and I have worked on a few flyers for schools and their events. Being the only one working on making the event’s flyer I am helping to promote the events. I got feedback from others in the office until I had enough information in a good layout to post on CI’s facebook page, bulletins, and so on to get people to come to the events.
I will be helping at the CI booth that will be in the Chinese New Year fair so I have researched information about the coming year and why it is a reason to celebrate! There will be face painting and calligraphy so I will be a volunteer to get people interested.
2. How did your project(s) go from an idea or inspiration to a final product? Explain the processes from the initial idea to the final product and the skills that you used and developed.
Well the idea for the project wasn’t really an idea...since Chinese New Year is coming up so performances and festivities will be happening throughout the 15 day celebration. Chinese New Year starts today and I have finished the flyer for the weekend event in Downtown San Diego. I will be able to learn about Chinese calligraphy and help with face painting at a booth reserved for the CI at the event so that's kind of like my project. Being organized for helping setting up and just being a part of it will show my efforts in helping out the institute in the office and at an event.
Fun fact of the day: Gōng xǐ fā cái, hóng bāo ná lái – Happy New Year, now give me a red envelope!
1/24/11
__In preparation for IPOL- Internship Presentation of Learning Pt. 2
1. How was your work as an intern meaningful to your education and personal growth?
Working at a real job has made me feel more confident in working. It shows how it's important to inform everyone and to work together. This will be pretty useful knowledge to be able to find out how I am most productive as well as what kind of environment I want to work in in the future. I am enthusiastic about working and creating things again!
2. How did your view of life beyond high school change or develop during your time as an intern?
I didn’t care for the future because I didn't really have a positive image of what my job experiences would be. Interning here as showed me what it’s like to work with others for a purpose. Working in school does seem to have its benefits. My enthusiasm in school was decreasing. Now I really can’t wait to study to get a job that I will be excited to go to every day. The best feeling is getting things done and helping others. I’m ready to work hard for a future with designing and computers to live on my own and hopefully learn Chinese and travel because it seems really interesting based on what I have learned here.
3. How did communication and/or collaboration at work influence your understanding of professional working environments?
Professional working environments no longer intimidate me. Everyone is human and sometimes being professional comes out a bit scary to me but I’ve noticed that when dealing with work it just seems that way sometimes. But, as long as your polite it will not bring you down.. I’m still kind of surprised that it is pretty much how classes at HTHI are run like. It’s the same type of environment, at least I think so..
Fun fact of the day: I know the entire order of the Chinese Zodiac animals now and recognize half of the characters for them!!! Which is your animal year?
1. How was your work as an intern meaningful to your education and personal growth?
Working at a real job has made me feel more confident in working. It shows how it's important to inform everyone and to work together. This will be pretty useful knowledge to be able to find out how I am most productive as well as what kind of environment I want to work in in the future. I am enthusiastic about working and creating things again!
2. How did your view of life beyond high school change or develop during your time as an intern?
I didn’t care for the future because I didn't really have a positive image of what my job experiences would be. Interning here as showed me what it’s like to work with others for a purpose. Working in school does seem to have its benefits. My enthusiasm in school was decreasing. Now I really can’t wait to study to get a job that I will be excited to go to every day. The best feeling is getting things done and helping others. I’m ready to work hard for a future with designing and computers to live on my own and hopefully learn Chinese and travel because it seems really interesting based on what I have learned here.
3. How did communication and/or collaboration at work influence your understanding of professional working environments?
Professional working environments no longer intimidate me. Everyone is human and sometimes being professional comes out a bit scary to me but I’ve noticed that when dealing with work it just seems that way sometimes. But, as long as your polite it will not bring you down.. I’m still kind of surprised that it is pretty much how classes at HTHI are run like. It’s the same type of environment, at least I think so..
Fun fact of the day: I know the entire order of the Chinese Zodiac animals now and recognize half of the characters for them!!! Which is your animal year?
1/25/12 ***MENTOR APPRECIATION POST***
From left to righ: Jonathan, Anne, Jessie, and Lilly
This will be an appreciation post for EVERYONE that works at the Confucius Institute!
All of them are very sweet and understand that I'm still learning. In the beginning I was having struggles with answering the phones. I got scared of hearing the phone ringing at one point...but Jonathan forced me to answer all the calls. Anne helped me with making flyers and was patient with me. Lilly is so nice and made me feel very welcomed. It amazes me how she gets work done with a smile on her face. Jessie helped me whenever I seemed lost. Ni (she took the photo) was super nice in the office since the first day at CI. Crystal (not in the photo) has also helped me out and I liked talking to her! The rest of the people that I have met working at the office were also interesting to listen to and speak with. Overall they are all really good people and it has been nice being able to interact with them during my internship. I especially like that they truly did want me to get an experience at this internship. I will be sure to use what I learned when I go back to school and continue to work for my dream job. I wish I could have worked here for a longer amount of time. I can't wait for the Chinese New Year Fair!
Fun fact of the day: My intern site has been posted on the website for the Confucius Institute at SDSU as well as their facebook page :)
All of them are very sweet and understand that I'm still learning. In the beginning I was having struggles with answering the phones. I got scared of hearing the phone ringing at one point...but Jonathan forced me to answer all the calls. Anne helped me with making flyers and was patient with me. Lilly is so nice and made me feel very welcomed. It amazes me how she gets work done with a smile on her face. Jessie helped me whenever I seemed lost. Ni (she took the photo) was super nice in the office since the first day at CI. Crystal (not in the photo) has also helped me out and I liked talking to her! The rest of the people that I have met working at the office were also interesting to listen to and speak with. Overall they are all really good people and it has been nice being able to interact with them during my internship. I especially like that they truly did want me to get an experience at this internship. I will be sure to use what I learned when I go back to school and continue to work for my dream job. I wish I could have worked here for a longer amount of time. I can't wait for the Chinese New Year Fair!
Fun fact of the day: My intern site has been posted on the website for the Confucius Institute at SDSU as well as their facebook page :)
Responses
Nicole: Yay! I love Chinese New Year. I look forward to seeing what you come up with for the fair - let me know the dates as they approach. I like the fun facts as well. Are there more schools involved as well?
Raymundo: Its great that you are getting over being shy. It is an important step to actually do a job and feel like you are a part of the team
Natalia: Hi Sandy! I really enjoy how you put a fun fact for each day. It seems like you are experiencing a lot!I hope you have fun at the Chinese New Year Fair.
Glorissa: Sandy ! I think the place you're interning at is sweet ! I'd love to go here because it looks like you can learn many things in this place. Making flyers and organizing a big event like this one must be quite a challenge for you but don't worry ! C: Things will turn out better than expected C: I feel happy for you, this place seems so interesting!
Anthony: Purple octopus... Yum. Your blog is pretty sweet, Sandy
Juan Ramon: It's really cool that you get to help with the fair, and that you're learning more about the Chinese culture. Don't be shy! Also, I like your fun facts of the day :]