Last Day as an Intern

Hello GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley,

Today is my last day as an intern here at GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley. It has been such an awesome experience to work here. I have learned so much these past couple of months as an intern. Working alongside with Julie Smith and Linda Whitaker our Site Coordinators, I got to experience what it is like working for a non-profit organization and what goes on behind the scenes of what an organization has to do in order to keep it going. Through the ups and downs, I go to see the reality of what a non-profit organization has to go through.

I also got to meet many families and interact one on one with individuals with Down syndrome through programs such as Teen Tastic and Family Fun Night. Coming into GiGi’s Playhouse, I had little experience about individuals with Down syndrome. I have a cousin that has Down syndrome. He is nonverbal and his cognitive delay is severe. I realized after working here at GiGi’s that not all individuals with Down syndrome are like that. There are different levels and each individual can display different behaviors. I learned that there are individuals that are verbal and some that are nonverbal. They were able to interact with me and tell me about themselves and what they like to do even if they start to lose interest in me after a while. The kids are all adorable and so fun to be around. Every time I join a program for GiGi’s Playhouse it is always a joy to see all the kids excited to participate in activities and interact with their peers. My time here at GiGi’s will surely be unforgettable.

I want to thank Julie and Linda for all their help and support while I worked here. With their guidance, I was able to transition to different tasks much smoothly. Thanks again Julie and Linda!

Although it is my last day as an intern, it is not my last day with GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley. I will continue to be a part of the organization by participating in programs whenever possible. In this upcoming week, I will be a one-on-one tutor in math and literacy for individuals with Down syndrome and so I look forward to that.

Thank you GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley for giving me an experience I will never forget!

From your Intern Christina