This summer, Pre-K 4 SA hosted Camyl Delaney, a social work student at Texas State University, as part of the City of San Antonio’s Ambassador Summer Internship Program. With a passion fueled by personal experiences with social assistance programs, she explored different roles within Pre-K 4 SA, gaining valuable insights into supporting families and communities. In this Q&A, she shares her journey and the impact of her time with Pre-K 4 SA.
Q: What led you to choose Pre-K 4 SA for your internship?
A: My internship is part of the City of San Antonio’s Ambassador Summer Internship Program for college students, where we got to choose from a list of opportunities throughout the city. As a social work student, I wanted to align my internship with my interests in communities, families, local resources, and social service programs. I chose Pre-K 4 SA because of my familiarity with the program. My sister attended the East Center three years ago and I was inspired by the Pre-K 4 SA mission to provide high-quality early learning education, programs and commitment to impact San Antonio’s youngest learners.
Q: What inspired you to pursue social work?
A: My family has always relied on social assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, housing, and other local resources which has fueled my passion for social work. I wanted to supplement my life experiences with education and became a first-generation college student at Texas State University. My goal is to offer support and guidance to those in need, helping them make the most of life’s challenges. I believe earning my degree and the experience at Pre-K 4 SA will help me make an even greater impact.
Q: What stood out to you during your time at Pre-K 4 SA?
A: My experience at Pre-K 4 SA was more than just an internship—it felt like a profound sense of belonging and integration. The organization operates like a web, with many interconnected teams that are working towards a common goal of helping the community they serve as much as they can. Although I was assigned to the marketing and events team, they were aware of my interests and allowed me to explore other areas, like the family engagement team and family liaisons. From my first day, I felt important and seen, and that sense of being a valued part of the team was incredibly impactful. Laura, Virginia, Peter, Matthew, and Jill all took me under their wings, and I’m so grateful for their support.
Q: What did you learn about Pre-K 4 SA that you didn’t know before?
A: I learned that Pre-K 4 SA’s impact goes beyond just an early childhood education program—it’s a resource for entire families. The program is deeply involved in each child’s well-being outside of the classroom, which they see as essential to their educational success. This holistic approach sets Pre-K 4 SA apart from traditional education organizations, with accessible and affordable tuition, additional resources for families, including educational support, and family liaisons assigned to each child to bridge the gap between home and the classroom.
Q: Did you have any memorable experiences during your internship?
A: At San Antonio Public Library’s summer activities, such as story times and family movie days, Pre-K 4 SA family liaisons would invite families from each center to participate. At one event, a librarian thanked us for attending and acknowledged that the increased attendance helped maintain funding for those programs. I also participated in Come and Play events and back-to-school giveaways hosted by local districts. Representing Pre-K 4 SA at these events was a proud moment for me, especially seeing the behind-the-scenes collaboration between agencies and local programs I had only known from the consumer side. Everyone was eager to explain their roles and connections to Pre-K 4 SA, and I never felt like an outsider.
Q: Did you have any standout moments during your internship?
A: One of the highlights was meeting Kim Juarez, the lead Behavioral Specialist at Pre-K 4 SA. Early in my internship, I was curious about the support systems in place for children with exceptional needs, knowing that Pre-K 4 SA is already different from traditional and public schooling. When Kim returned to campus, I had the chance to meet with her one-on-one for an hour. We clicked immediately, and she shared her background and job duties, which resonated with me as I connected her experiences to my personal journey. Her passion and dedication to her role solidified my sense of belonging in the field of social work.
Q: What was the biggest event you participated in?
A: The biggest event I helped with was Convocation. When I started my internship, the Marketing and Events team was still designing the shirts and selecting gifts for the staff and teachers. I was involved in all the planning and small details, which made the experience rewarding. It was authentic and showed the hard work everyone put in to make the event special and set the precedent for the school year.
Q: How did this internship impact you personally and professionally?
A: My time at Pre-K 4 SA seemed to fly by, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have chosen this path. I met many wonderful people, learned a lot about the program, explored different career paths, and gained valuable insights about myself. I leave with long-lasting connections, inspiration for my future, and a renewed passion for social work as I approach graduation this year.
