My name is Manu Kumasi and as a college sophomore, in the fall of 2006, I interned with World Of Children.  My tasks were to work with a public relations firm in managing the World Of Children name, creating the media release packages for the 2006 awardees, and helping out with production of the award events, day of.  Although my tasks were clearly quantifiable, what I took away from my internship far exceeds what I can document on a resume.

     My exposure to these two organizations, one profit driven and one not, affected me on two fronts.  On the more practical side, my time spent with the public relations firm illustrated the importance of being able to present an item, and oneself, in a marketable fashion.  I have used this principle to better pitch motions during my time as a student government senator and to give more convincing speeches during class/internship presentations and recruiting events for my college.

     However, the second–and more important–impact had nothing to do with professional development.  It was that I was made more aware of global inequality.  In conducting research on the 2006 awardees, and then speaking with them in person, I learned about too many ways in which helpless young individuals are trapped in awful conditions.  The need for help became more evident to me.  I was proud to intern at an organization that awards such meritorious acts and upon the conclusion of the internship, I was inspired to learn about how I could help as well.

     I chose to expand my knowledge of the different life styles, cultures, and economic conditions of various countries and cultures.  In doing so I have traveled to Ecuador, Morocco, Spain, and studied in Oxford, England. I have chosen to major in economics to learn about how money flows across a society and across the globe, to better conceptualize the process of target economic growth, and to understand the monetary roots of policy decision as well as the corresponding affects on the overall economy and on the individual citizen.  As a result of what I have learned after my internship, I am committed to dedicating a portion of my life to overseas human development efforts.

     The way in which I see the world has been significantly affected by my time with World of Children. I am very grateful that my eyes were opened and I look forward to living my professional life in a way that reflects the spirit of the organization.