Summer internships have become transformative experiences for students across various fields, enabling them to develop skills and explore professional paths. For Sarah Frances, a natural resource major at UConn, this summer was particularly impactful as she embarked on two significant journeys—one at home and another abroad.
Frances, who is seeking to merge her studies with her passion for wildlife photography, created her own internship with guidance from her advisor, Morty Ortega. Through this collaboration, she developed video interviews showcasing programs offered by UConn Extension, which aim to assist Connecticut's vulnerable communities.
During her internship, she is documenting various initiatives related to urban forestry and community sustainability. Frances believes elevational these programs' visibility can encourage more residents to access their valuable resources.
“What we’re trying to do is get information about why Extension is so important,” says Frances, emphasizing the need to communicate the organization's mission effectively. Her efforts will highlight the personal stories of community members directly benefiting from UConn Extension services.
This internship has also complemented another remarkable experience she had recently—a study abroad trip to South Africa coordinated by Ortega. The trip offered her firsthand exposure to wildlife ecology, allowing her to engage with iconic animals such as elephants and lions.
Frances vividly recalls her time spent learning about biodiversity and proper animal tracking. “Working with the animals and getting to be around them, it’s unlike anything you can ever express,” she shared, highlighting the awe she felt during close encounters with wildlife.
The experience left her feeling more connected to nature, granting her insights she believes are fundamental for her future career. “You close your eyes for one second and when you open them, you’re face-to-face with a cape buffalo,” she noted, marveling at how surreal such moments were.
Alongside her professional growth, Frances also built lasting friendships with fellow students on the trip. “It’s 30 people who will be the only people to understand what it’s like to wake up hearing the sound of lions roaring right next to your tent,” she said, underlining the unique bonds formed during their shared adventures.
The combination of her internship work and the study abroad trip has ignited her passion for wildlife photojournalism. Frances emphasized the importance of this career path, especially as society faces significant environmental challenges.
“I just want to work outside and work with animals, take pictures, and help the world be a beautiful place as we deal with the climate crisis,” she remarked. Her aspirations are clear: to use photography and storytelling as tools to inspire change and advocate for the environment.
Frances’s story is just one among many illustrating the life-changing potential of summer internships. Students everywhere are leveraging these opportunities to forge paths aligned with their passions and interests, preparing them for promising futures.
While internships can be challenging, the rewards often carry significant long-term benefits. Young individuals like Frances remind us of the power of experiential learning and its role in shaping tomorrow's leaders.
