Sarah Rodriguez ‘09
Butterfly Hope
Summer Fellow

Why did you want to become a PIFP Fellow?

I wanted to become a PIFP fellow to explore opportunities and to have a summer job that had meaning for me. I am connected with many non-profits or have worked with them in the past as a volunteer or “partner” through student groups and service trips. When I looked through the websites of the organizations that had fellowships, I was sold! My favorite choice was actually the one I am working with now.

Please give a brief description of your job/role in your host organization:

My role in Butterfly Hope is basically the assistant to the program coordinator. My duties include but are not limited to organizing, preparing, and executing sign-in and attendance, snack distribution, preparing and distributing evaluation materials, keeping our student information database updated, compiling registration and evaluation materials for use in grant writing, assisting teachers in classrooms when needed, walking students safely to the Boys and Girls Club, assisting the program coordinator in proofing materials in English and Spanish, and planning and organizing for our 15 th Anniversary Celebration. For the celebration my primary duties were organizing the registration and assisting in set-up and layout of the area and the many other small but important tasks of preparing to host over 350 people! It was a true success and a joyful day!

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about your host organization so far?

That it was founded by two individuals who wanted to give opportunities to children who are getting lost in the regular school day. I see one of the founders virtually every day volunteering in the gardens and taking pictures and participating in the daily experience. I also love that the teachers are so concerned for the children and their self-confidence. The teachers and classroom assistants encourage creativity and embrace flexibility in ways that I’ve never seen and that truly inspire me.