Just before starting her first semester at Hamilton, Fabiola (Faby) Alvarez ’22 received an email from the Dean of Admission inviting her to join the Joan Hinde Stewart (JHS) Career Development Program.
Like others who have gone through the program, she spent part of the academic year focused on personal development, learning skills from résumé writing to how to advocate for herself. Using these skills, Alvarez was able to secure two education-oriented internships this summer: teaching young children how to dance and helping Japanese students learn English.
Alvarez is currently working as an instructor and facilitator for the Miami Dance Project, a dance studio in Florida for young, aspiring dancers. Here, Alvarez works with young children ages 3 to 7 to help improve their dancing abilities. She also helps out with the studio’s annual summer camp.
Intended major: dance, with a minor in theatre or Japanese
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Cutler Bay High School
“I am most excited about seeing my students grow and mature over the next few weeks,” says Alvarez. “Education is very rewarding work and it’s amazing to see how kids can grow in their mindsets and perspectives.”
Toward the end of the summer, Alvarez is returning to Fukuoka, Japan, to help high school students learn English. She spent spring break improving her Japanese language skills with the organization On Your Mark! at an English camp in Japan. After networking with the organizers, Alvarez was able to secure a camp counselor position with the organization for the summer.
“Going through the program really helped me realize the importance of skills like networking,” says Alvarez. “JHS really gave me the courage to speak up for myself which helped me land this volunteer job in Japan.”
For many college students, finding a meaningful internship can be challenging. Oftentimes, these opportunities can come without pay, leaving them out of reach for many students. The Joan Hinde Stewart Career Development Program, formerly known as First-Year Forward, allows for students to take on an unpaid summer opportunity, providing them with $2,200 for 150 hours of career-related experience.
“JHS taught me that it’s okay to be unsure of what’s next,” says Alvarez. “I think uncertainty in college is beautiful because you have the opportunity to explore and get involved in what you love doing.”
