Early on, Marianna Ramos knew what she wanted to do this summer. When the Project Pull application period opened this spring, she diligently began working on her application for the internship program.

Ramos, a rising junior at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, had spent last summer working at San Francisco’s Animal Care and Control as a Project Pull intern. She enjoyed her experience learning about the work and meeting new friends. She shared that it was a fulfilling experience being mentored by City employees and hearing about their career journey.

Although this summer’s program is virtual, Ramos still decided to apply to the program to learn about the communications function and build relationships with fellow interns. “I know that Project Pull is always fun and I was really happy to be readmitted,” she said. “So far, the online internship experience has been different, but still very fun. I like that we are able to have a balance between work, research, and bonding.”

Comparing this summer to the previous year, Ramos shared that she initially thought the virtual experience may be more difficult to interact with the interns, team leaders, and staff over a computer screen, but the experience has actually allowed her to develop stronger public speaking skills and collaboration. Some topics that the interns have discussed this summer include the impact of COVID-19 on their communities, financial literacy, as well as the different career paths that they could explore as they consider college majors and future job opportunities.

One activity that Ramos enjoyed last year was participating in the debate competition toward the end of the program. “I knew that although this year the program would be offered virtually, that I would still be able to gain important skills and continue to develop my public speaking and critical thinking skills,” she said. Ramos shared that the debate competition is something she is also looking forward to again this year.