Hi, my name is Zya Berlack. I’ve been interning at FSC First for the past three weeks. I first learned about this nonprofit during an Entrepreneurial Camp, and when I began looking for an internship, FSC First stood out because of its mission—helping small businesses that don’t qualify for traditional bank loans. I reached out to Jasmine Forbes, Program Coordinator, who connected me with Beverly Everson-Jones, Chief Financial & Operating Officer, to discuss internship opportunities for high school students. I’m so glad I did. The openness and friendliness of the FSC First team made me feel right at home.
During my time here, I’ve learned three valuable lessons:
1. The importance of asking specific questions
At first, I assumed assignments would be easy. But I quickly realized my supervisor, Yakita Wilkinson, Level Up Program & Marketing Manager, expected a higher level of detail. Asking clear, specific questions helped me understand requirements and deliver better results.
2. Organizing my time
I’ve always struggled with procrastination, but I learned that taking short breaks—listening to music, stretching, chatting with coworkers, or walking around—helped me put my best foot forward in my work.
3. Handling tough assignments
I was tasked with securing a venue for a fall training session. This required identifying potential locations, reaching out to them directly, and evaluating their suitability. It was one of the most time-consuming assignments I’ve handled, but it strengthened my confidence in making calls and solving problems. I learned that not every company responds promptly, has availability, or can meet specific requirements. Through this process, I gained valuable insights into venue capacity, policies, and how location impacts space usage.
This summer was my first time working in a professional office environment, and I learned so much about both the work and the culture. It’s been such a fun and rewarding experience, and I hope I’ll have the chance to return next year.
Thank you, FSC First!
FSC First partnered with Employ Prince George’s on the Youth Career Connections (YCC) program, which is designed to empower high school seniors with the tools and knowledge needed to become competitive and successful in their chosen career paths.
