Jada Sutton: My Summer with Kinston Teens!
Jada Sutton, Health Equity Intern Summer 2024
Hi! My name is Jada, and I was the Health Equity Intern with Kinston Teens over the summer! 👋🏽
My internship with Kinston Teens has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever had! It provided me with the opportunity to engage with my community in ways I hadn’t before and reinforced my belief that, through collective effort and shared commitment, we can build an even stronger and more resilient community.
In my first week, we went on a tour of my hometown, Kinston, and although I’ve lived here all my life I hadn’t fully grasped some of the historical contexts of certain places. Kinston has a rich history that should not go unnoticed. We rode around getting insights about upcoming developments and the city's vision for the future. This fresh perspective highlighted areas that need improvement and reinforced my belief that change is necessary for the betterment of our community. I also attended my very first city council meeting! The “hot topic” of the night was a proposal to remove a few traffic lights downtown, and it drew a lot of interest from the community. I got to see a glimpse of the City Council’s role in addressing public concerns that night. It also became clear that serving on the City Council is not without its challenges. Council members often become focal points for community issues, facing both praise and criticism as they navigate their responsibilities. This meeting provided valuable insight into the complexities of local governance and the realities of public service.
Some of the most memorable aspects of my internship were participating in the East Kinston Neighborhood Hub Sunday Dinner, helping renovate the new office, and filling up the blessing box. The Sunday Dinners, held on the third Sunday of every month, were a very special experience for me. I enjoyed inviting friends to volunteer, coordinating with local businesses to support the cause, and engaging in meaningful conversations with community members. These personal interactions really deepened my connection with my community.
In addition to the Sunday Dinners, I was also involved in renovating the new Kinston Teens office space. Seeing the place change was both rewarding and creatively fulfilling. Every Thursday, known as "Hub Day," became a highlight of my week. Thursday’s were dedicated to giving back to the community by stocking the blessing box outside of the East Kinston Neighborhood Hub, where we would add canned goods, beverages, and other essential items.
Over the course of my internship, I learned that giving back was more than just a routine; it was a tangible way to support and uplift my community. It was heartening to witness the positive impact our actions had on individuals and families.
