Hadiyah Whitfield: My Summer with Kinston Teens!
Hadiyah, Kinston Teens Communications Assistant Intern
Hi! I’m Hadiyah, and I was the Communications Assistant Intern for Kinston Teens 👋🏽. My summer internship with the Kinston Teens was an incredibly enriching experience where I got to enhance my civic engagement in both Kinston and East Kinston!
A key aspect of my internship involved attending City Council meetings. These meetings are crucial for the Kinston Teens organization, as they provide valuable insights into the proposals and developments within the community. Making a meaningful impact in a community without a solid understanding of its background is challenging. Being civically engaged, and as a result more informed, keeps us equipped with essential information on how we can best support and contribute to the city's growth and well-being. I found great personal enjoyment in attending the City Council meetings. These meetings showed me how much I had been unaware of within my community. This experience not only broadened my perspective but also deepened my appreciation for the collective efforts that drive community development and engagement.
Thursday’s at the Neighborhood Hub quickly became some of my favorite days. One of our key responsibilities was replenishing the blessing box, providing free food for those in need. This included canned goods, pasta noodles and sauces, rice, juices, sodas, and so much more! I’m glad I could witness firsthand the positive impact I was making in the community through my work over the summer.
Thursday’s at the Neighborhood Hub also meant breaking a sweat and getting our hands dirty. Renovating the new office involved a range of tasks, from painting and removing flooring, organizing rooms, and even clearing away a spider web or two! I enjoyed seeing all of the progress made to get the new office ready!
The Sunday Dinner was my favorite event. I loved seeing the support from volunteers and other community organizations for Kinston Teens. Sunday Dinner brought together many resources in one place for the community, effectively addressing the food desert issues we face in East Kinston. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on people's faces as we served them, knowing we were making a tangible difference in their lives.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to meet new people and learn about various organizations that collaborate to improve our community. I’m proud to have been a part of Kinston Teens and thoroughly enjoyed my time as an intern!
