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!)

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.