280. Internships & Student Agency with Aya Belouadah

Learning Unboxed

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we explore the transformative power of internships with Aya Belouadah, a college student at The Ohio State University and PAST Foundation Intern. Aya shares her journey from early high school internships to her current college experiences, highlighting how hands-on opportunities have shaped her approach to learning and professional growth.

We dive into the importance of authentic, work-based learning and how it builds not just technical skills but also confidence, communication, and agency. Aya reflects on the differences between high school and collegiate environments, emphasizing why building community, embracing critique, and advocating for yourself are essential for both personal and professional development.

Together, we discuss strategies educators can use to create meaningful internship experiences and foster collaborative, well-rounded teams. Aya’s insights are a compelling reminder of why early, real-world experiences matter—and how students can harness them to chart their own unique paths.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The impact of internships on student agency and career direction
• The value of authentic, work-based learning over traditional classroom assignments
• Building community and communication skills within internship programs
• Navigating team dynamics and the challenges of collaborative work
• Strategies for educators to foster student growth, agency, and resilience

Resources:

• Read Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life by Annalies Corbin

Produced by NOVA