Students have begun to take on the problems of the working world: The drama with co-workers, long office hours and that printer that never seems to work. Internships can be a good way for students to understand what type of careers they want to pursue later in life.

The types of internships a student can get can range from working at NASA to working at a horse-back riding center. Through the summer and school year, students had the opportunity to work in interesting labs, offices and centers.

As a senior, Rifaa Qadri is able to take a double period internship at state attorney Brian Frost’s office. As an intern, Qadri has the opportunity to help pull files for cases, create notes on cases for prosecutors, collect various documents to put in case files, translate 911 phone calls, and assist prosecutors in court proceedings. “I chose this internship because I am very passionate about studying law and it’s my mission to go and graduate from Harvard law in order to work in criminal law,” Qadri said. “This internship allows me to be a step closer to my future.”

As horseback riding is Isabella Berrebi’s passion, for her senior year it was only natural for Berrebi to take an internship at Peace of Mind Dressage at Woodvale Farms. On the farm Berrebi performs chores such as bringing the horses in from the field, feeding them, cleaning the stalls, refilling their water buckets and sweeping the stalls. Besides chores, Berrebi also prepares the horses to be ridden and performs exercises with the horses. “The past couple of years, I have had a hard time getting out to the barn to be with my horse during the week,” Berrebi said, “but now I get to see him almost six days a week. I picked this internship because it not only is improving my work ethic but I have become a better rider and trainer.”

After participating in years of musical lessons, senior Amanda Cassano chose to intern with music teacher Carolyn Herman in the school’s music department. Cassano helps Herman with tuning students instruments, creating lesson plans, leading sectionals, and offering students private lessons. Although Cassano plans to pursue a career in business and obtain an MBA, music will always be one of her passions. “Of course, I’ll always play music as a way to relax and have fun with friends,” Cassano said.

For his senior year, Paul Zbarcea decided to take a full schedule this year but after school he works at congressman Delaney’s office. There Zbarcea is able to assist the congressman with casework, the planning of events, and handling constituent correspondence. Although Zbarcea is pursuing a career in computer science, he is also interested in politics. “I picked this office because there are a lot of Wootton kids who volunteered there before and recommended it,” Zbarcea said. “It is also a good opportunity for me to learn hands on about how our government runs while helping our community.”
Students still searching for an internship should speak with Lesley Stroot in room 109.

Alyssa Bursie

Commons Editor