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During my orientation at CER, Outreach Coordinator Tyler Losey informed me that I would be doing real work that mattered for the organization. Of course, I did end up taking on some of the administrative tasks such as stuffing envelopes, labeling, and scanning documents; however, I hardly ever felt like such work was meaningless. CER’s mission is to bridge the gap between policy and practice, and everything that I have done, including intense research and effective event planning, speaks to that very mission.

I am astonished at how much I have learned from my internship—so much more than I ever expected to. I will leave this organization with the ability to research so efficiently that I could find my next employer the names of all charter schools in the New England area that have received approval to open up for the coming school year in the span of just one hour. I know where to look for certain information, what sources to trust, and how to organize my information in a presentable way.

I was taught how to write briefly and matter-of-factly, but also informatively. Using the Media Bullpen as my medium for practice, I have written summaries and critiques for articles in just about three sentences total. Getting a message across in a manner like this makes it much easier for my audience to not only remember tidbits from my analysis, but to also gain my perspective regarding a certain topic much quicker than going through a long article trying to find what may be the most important point.

I have stepped out of my comfort zone and have even dabbled a little bit in designing an info-graphic for CER’s Instagram. Through this experience, I learned that it is okay to try new things and make mistakes while experimenting. All I really have to do is try again, and I did. For this reason, I saw an improvement in my work and an increase in a skill I thought I never had.

I now read the news with passion rather than boredom. CER’s Daily Clips, an email full of educated-related articles, has made me come to depend on news to wake me up in morning more than my usual cup of coffee. I am more aware of what is going around me, and I am better off that way.

I have overcome my shyness and have learned to network—to talk to more people, who often times are more than willing to engage in a conversation with me. In a town like D.C., many people are looking to engage with one another. There was no need for me to even be scared of introducing myself at all.

Clearly, I have enjoyed my time here at CER immensely. Is it really over? It seems like I had my interview with Alison just yesterday, but really that was three months ago—three months that have taught me so much! I thank the CER staff for their laughter, aid, kindness, and open-door policy. I will truly miss working for this organization. I wish CER well in everything that it is doing to encourage a better education system for all children. I hope to see CER happy and settled in their new office when I come back to visit!

Navraj Narula – CER Intern