Meet The Summer Interns – Sahana Nandan
The Plano Chamber is thrilled to introduce two Plano Independent School District students who will be joining them this summer as interns through the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, generously sponsored and supported by Capital One. “Combining Plano’s vibrant business community with a nationally recognized school district, the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program is a paid summer internship program for rising juniors and seniors attending a Plano public school or residing in Plano.” Coupled with Plano Chamber’s goal of fostering connections and creating a thriving Plano business community, the Chamber’s collaboration with this program is the perfect outlet to provide a valuable environment for leadership, engagement and building up a skilled workforce.
The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight our second intern, Sahana Nandan. LaChaya Terry, our Communications & Marketing Director asked Sahana a few questions about her community involvement, future goals, and what she hopes to learn this summer from her interning experience.
1. What would you like readers to know about YOU and why you chose to participate in the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program?
I would like readers to know that I am a very engaging person with good communication and worth ethic skills, which help me adapt to new situations and experiences. These skills helped shape me as a person which is why I believe that I can achieve many of my goals, including earning this internship. I chose to participate in the Plano Mayor Internship with the desire to try something new, as this is my first job, I had intentions of building new experiences and connections. I joined in hopes of being able to learn many more skills, such as organization and adaptability, skills which I think that I lack in. I am a firm believer that a good amount of effort and hard work can lead to success, no matter the obstacle. My parents have always pushed me to try my best which inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and join this program. As my goal in life is to become a lawyer, I hope participating in this internship can potentially help me decide what I want to do in college for my undergrad.
2. Tell us about your community involvement.
My community involvement started when I was in 8th grade when I started to tutor kids in my neighborhood. I would teach them basic math and English skills, as I was one of the oldest kids in my neighborhood. Throughout my middle school years to now, volunteering at Metroplex Tamil Sangam, which is the Tamil community of DFW, helped me build connections with many people and serve them during special events. I love helping people, which is why last summer me and one of my best friends started a club at my school. This club is called “Aid 4 Need”, a well-known non-profit in some of the DFW Schools. It is known for spreading awareness on many issues that occur day to day around the world. We decided to bring this club to our school, creating the first chapter there. We hosted many events and helped our school spread awareness as well.
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see myself graduating from university, double majoring in political science and psychology. After graduating I am preparing to go to law school, with both degrees hoping it can help my career in law. Since I was 13, becoming a lawyer has always been my dream because I love talking to people and the field in general interests me so much. I hope in 5 years that I can intern at a law firm and practice/observe how it really is in the office. I see myself being more involved in volunteering work, especially in orphanages and advocating for domestic abuse victims. My main goal in life is to help those who don’t have the ability to get help for themselves.
4. What do you hope to learn while interning at the Plano Chamber of Commerce?
While interning at the Plano Chamber of Commerce, I hope to learn about how businesses and the community work together. I’m excited to improve my communication skills and meet local business leaders. I want to help plan events and see how marketing is used to promote these activities. Understanding how the Chamber supports local businesses and advocates for good policies is also important to me. Overall, I look forward to gaining real-world experience and contributing to my community.
