Natasha Kingston ’16, a German studies and English major, was an intern for the Veteran-Civilian Dialogue program at Intersections International.
by Elizabeth Carman
Natasha Kingston ’16 took her love of learning to the Big Apple this summer. Kingston, a German studies and English major, participated in Central College’s new social justice internship program in New York City. As an intern for the Veteran-Civilian Dialogue program at Intersections International, Kingston worked to unite veterans and civilians to promote reconciliation and healing for both groups. After completing her internship, Kingston moved on to study abroad in Vienna, Austria — but not without taking time to reflect on her life-changing experience in New York City.
Why were you interested in the social justice internship program?
I wanted an opportunity to do something different with my summer — I had the overwhelming urge to do something with impact. As a college student, I always see people out in the world doing great things, and I wanted an opportunity to join them. I wanted to see something new, learn something new and do something unforgettable.
“I wanted to see something new, learn something new and do something unforgettable.” – Natasha Kingston ’16
What kind of work did you do?
Some of my days were dedicated to social media, to grow the VCD online presence. I spent time reading blogs, proofreading blogs and was even given the chance to write a blog entry about my experience. I helped in a lot of different capacities, which made my experience all the more interesting. I even spent a couple days researching a new national initiative for Rev. Bob Chase, the founding director of Intersections. I was trusted to take that information, compile it and brief him for an important meeting with a senator in Washington. How many students can say that they’ve done that? Each day was different, and I was constantly learning new things.
What was the highlight of your internship?
I worked with the most incredible group of people. The staff of Intersections International is second to none. My boss, a former Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, taught me loads about military culture, and she was honest about her own struggles with the transition from the military world to civilian life. It made my learning experience that much more unique.
What was most challenging?
My internship was mentally taxing. I spent a lot of time watching military movies, like Zero Dark Thirty, Taking Chance and Lone Survivor. After I had watched them, my boss and I would unpack the story line, the characters and the psyche of a combat soldier. It was an overwhelming amount of information to take in each day. It was a crash course in military cultural competency, and I learned more than I could have possibly imagined.
How were your Central studies important to your experience?
My time at Central has solidified my love of learning and encouraged me to want more out of my experience as a student. I’m captivated by the information the world has to offer me, and Central has encouraged that interest. Many aspects of my internship success can be directly attributed to class experiences I’ve had in Pella.
My time at Central has encouraged me to explore, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.” – Natasha Kingston ’16
What did you learn?
Getting out of your comfort zone is scary, and overwhelming and exhausting—but it’s worth it, a thousand times over.
What are your future plans?
A German Studies and English degree gives me so many great options! I would love to do something with intelligence analysis or international relations. I’m hoping I’ll have an epiphany while in Vienna — find my niche in the professional world. Right now, I just want to learn. I’m open to whatever the professional world has to offer. My time at Central has encouraged me to explore, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.
To learn more about Natasha’s experience in New York City, check out her blog post for Intersections International, where she shares five critical lessons learned from post-9-11 veterans.
