A Semester That Shaped My Future

As my time at Sunderlin Behavioral Interventions comes to a close, I’m grateful for a semester full of unforgettable experiences, personal growth, and meaningful connections that have shaped both my career goals and who I am.

When I first accepted this internship, I was excited, but if I’m being honest, I was also nervous. I had very little knowledge about ABA therapy, and I had never worked directly with individuals with disabilities before. I wasn’t sure what to expect or how well I would be able to fit into the environment. However, the moment I walked through the doors of Sunderlin, all of that anxiety melted away. The team at Sunderlin is one of the most welcoming, supportive, and genuinely kind groups of people I have ever met. From my very first day, it was clear that they were invested not only in the success of their clients but also in creating a positive and nurturing environment for everyone who walks into the clinic, including interns like me. The staff made it easy to ask questions, encouraged me to learn and grow, and fostered a space where curiosity and passion were met with guidance and encouragement.

Throughout my time at Sunderlin, I was able to form meaningful connections not only with the staff but also with the kids I was working with. Every day that I woke up and headed to the clinic, I knew it was going to be a good day. There’s something incredibly special about being surrounded by people who are genuinely passionate about what they do, and it’s contagious. The kids brought so much light, joy, and laughter into each day, and watching them learn and make progress, even in small ways, was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

One of my favorite parts of this internship was getting the opportunity to collaborate with the other intern, Megan, to plan crafts and activities for the kids. Watching their excitement when introduced to new projects was such a fulfilling experience, and it helped me see just how important it is to create opportunities for engagement, fun, and creativity in therapy settings. Little moments, like the smile on a child's face when they completed a craft or met a new milestone, made each and every day feel meaningful.

Another incredible opportunity during my internship was working toward my Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification. Through hands-on experience, guidance from the Sunderlin staff, and dedicated study, I was able to connect what I was learning with real-world applications in the clinic. I plan to complete my RBT certification and continue working in the ABA field after graduation, a path I never would have confidently chosen if not for my time here.

Before this internship, I wasn't completely sure if ABA therapy was something I would want to pursue long-term. But this experience completely changed that. It gave me a clear vision of how impactful this work can be and how much I enjoy being part of a field dedicated to helping others grow and thrive. The environment at Sunderlin showed me what it means to work with heart, dedication, and a genuine commitment to bettering lives.

I am forever grateful to every single person who made my internship experience so special, from the RBTs, to the BCBAs, to all of the amazing staff members who welcomed me like family. I especially want to thank my mentor, Yrenka, and her family for giving me this opportunity and believing in me from day one.

My time at Sunderlin Behavioral Interventions has truly been life-changing. As I look back on this incredible semester, I’m filled with gratitude for the people, the lessons, and the experiences that made my time at Sunderlin so special, and I’m excited to carry everything I’ve learned into the next chapter of my journey