From left to right: Chad Knobloch (IA), Emily Meeks (KS), Alizee Gamber (TX), Lea Pucket (SD), Cassidy Wulf (MX), Carley Snider (OH), Nelson Eisenmann (IL)
In August, we said good-bye to our 2016 Summer Interns. We are so thankful for the Intern program as they are extremely valuable to the mission of The Fatted Calf.
In February and March of every year, applications are reviewed and telephone interviews are made. In June, they begin their duties and stay through the middle of August, after Expo Esperanza. Their 2 -3 month internship is an immersion into a different culture and intense learning experience.
The Interns wear many hats during their time in MX. There are various responsibilities given to each intern, using their individual talents to share with the kids and further the mission of The Fatted Calf. While their primary job is to help the kids train their animal projects for Expo Esperanza, they are also involved in teaching during the 3-week summer school where "classes" are designed to introduce new projects and present them at the Expo. Interns have also been very helpful and instrumental in other aspects of TFC, including marketing projects and ranch and meat plant activities.
Through these interactions, the kids are not only taught about "how to do" the project, but more importantly, the satisfaction of working on a project to completion and being rewarded for a job well done. As the Interns work so closely with the kids, each other, and the community at the orphanage, life-long relationships are formed.