By Christine Kamau, Programs Intern
I can't believe it's been 7 months already.
Around my birthday last year, I received the incredible news I was going to join She’s the First as the program's intern. To say I was elated is an understatement!
I remember when I had my second interview and got to learn about the work environment - as that is as equally important to me as the work that I get to do. I can’t tell when I fell in love with STF! It could have been when I got to understand better the hybrid working system or the fact that there is no dress code, or that I got to have Spanish-speaking colleagues (as a Spanish student this was perfect!)
When I started off, I was excited and scared but mostly excited. This being my first time working remotely and with a diverse team, I was curious to see how it worked and also uncertain about a few things. When I had my first official meeting with the team though, I knew right away that I had no need to worry. Everyone was very warm and engaging.
My internship gave me a platform to work on exciting resources like My Period Diary, which is particularly close to my heart. The Salary Survey was exciting to work on and analyze, and I am excited for it to be published! And the “What Would You Do?'“ Card game - which is now available in Swahili as well. (PS: You can download these and more resources from the She’s the First website for free!)
Christine, center with microphone, moderates the Girl Hour panel at She’s the First’s Girls First Summit in July 2023.
Fast forward to now, I couldn't have spent the last seven months any better. I got to work with an incredible team from different parts of the world. I learned what it means to truly put girls at the center of all programming as well as decision-making. The exposure I got enabled me to define, with clarity, what I want to do, or better said, what I want to dedicate myself to. Best believe I am also better at Spanish compared to when I started, courtesy of practice with my colleague!
Someone asked me how good it was. I finally figured out the answer. My seven months were incredible, so much that I wouldn’t want it to end with me. I want as many young girls to get this once-in-a-lifetime experience as possible.
Thank you, STF, for the opportunity!
Christine Kamau is a graduate of Kenyatta University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.