This month, the CASW Media Team welcomes Tamara Hendrickson as an intern and guest contributor to our blog. Tamara is a student at Manhattan early College School for Advertising, therefore she has a unique perspective on the world of marketing, media, and communicating with NYC youth!
As an intern with the CASW-Media team, I had the opportunity to meet various people around the agency and even got a glimpse into how the agency puts together events. During the second event I attended, I helped to support the SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program) participants as they navigated their job placements. I didn’t have a fixed role that day—I just went wherever I was needed. Whether it was outside managing crowds or inside offering directions, I was ready to jump in and help.
Managing the Heat and the Crowd Outside
Most of my time was spent outside, and to say it was hot would be an understatement. The sun was blazing, and there wasn’t much shade. Still, I was glad to be there. There were around 1,500 participants wrapped around the building and stretching down the block, all waiting for their turn to be placed at their jobs. One of my main jobs was helping to regulate the lines and make sure there was enough space on the sidewalk for local pedestrians to pass through safely.
A lot of people looked confused or unsure of where to go, so I stepped in to guide them, letting them know what documents they needed and which line they should be in. Because of the sweltering heat and the lack of trees or covering, the staff and interns (myself included) began passing out water bottles. That small gesture really mattered and showed how much the team cared.
Lending a Helping Hand, Wherever It Was Needed
It was a super busy day, but what stood out to me most was how many workers and volunteers were helping out. There was so much support, and it made all the difference. Still, one thing I think could be improved in the future is providing tents or shaded areas outside. With so many participants standing in the sun for long periods, even a bit of coverage would go a long way.
Overall, the experience was chaotic but rewarding. The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming, and it felt good to be part of something that helped so many young people take an important step toward their future. I was proud to be part of this annual tradition as a part of CASW.
