Internship Chronicles, Chapter 13: Winter Moon

One spring day, a Student Prince decided to go on a summer adventure. “It won’t be long before I have a career,” the Prince said, “so I’d better start preparing now.” So with some ’Berg education under their hat, and some connections in their back pocket, the Student Prince began forging their way through an internship.

We continue our web series, Internship Chronicles.

Chapter 13: Back Bay Mission Shines Light on Homelessness

Winter Moon is a criminology major from Greenfield, Ohio. She is currently working with the Back Bay Mission program in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Back Bay Mission addresses poverty through emergency assistance, intensive case management for supporting their clients out of poverty, and providing peer networks for clients to gain support through their journey forward.

How did you find your internship, or how did the internship find you?

I found my internship through our Heidelberg’s Alternate Spring Break opportunity. I traveled to Mississippi to help feed the homeless and house veterans. During my time down there, the preacher/ person in charge of the Back Bay Mission program informed me of the paid internship they offer. From there, I did my zoom interview and was offered the spot a few weeks after. 

What did you expect from your internship initially?

I expected to gain insight on the homeless/those in need and how society helps them but I didn’t expect to see how much the government lets people go through life barely living day to day. 

What really happens in your day-to-day work?

My day-to-day work is assisting those in need. If it’s not taking them into the food pantry to shop, letting homeless shower, feeding them on our feeding days, or giving them clothes then it’s helping with housing and bills. 

What connections have you made? 

I’ve made a lot of connections in the social services world like FEMA, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and many more places. 

What is the most valuable thing you’ll bring back to the classroom after this experience?

I graduated this year but I’m coming home with the knowledge of how much people need help in this world even if they work their butts off.

If your internship was a book or a chapter in a book, what should it be titled?

The title would be “Back Bay Mission Shines Light on Homelessness” 

For more information about Winter and her internship with Back Bay Mission, check out this video they put together about her experiences.