Intern Spotlight: Tavion Brooks

Internship Lends Insight into Humanities Community and Practices

What is it like to be an intern at the Humanities Research Institute (HRI)? We sat down with a few of our student workers to find out. We spoke with Tavion Brooks (History & Creative Writing), HRI's David F. Prindable undergraduate intern for 2022-2023. 

Interview by Giovanna Gutierrez, HRI Communications and Outreach Intern

What made you interested in the David F. Prindable Internship at HRI?

I was interested in the position because I believed that this would be a terrific opportunity for me because of the emphasis on learning new skills, as well as helping people from underrepresented backgrounds. The core values of HRI matched my own, which made it an easy decision to apply and accept the position. 

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How do you think more students can benefit from being involved / having connections to HRI?

Students can benefit from being involved with HRI by having access to an infinite number of resources and opportunities that can be used for educational and professional purposes. Many of the events that HRI present are incredible for learning about the latest information on topics that are important— both on campus and in society. The diverse and inclusive environment that HRI represents creates a vessel for connecting with our peers that may be different from us. I will also comment and say that there can be everlasting connections built within HRI because everyone here is extremely accepting and caring.

What has been your favorite project to work on?

My favorite project while I have been working for HRI was creating a budget for mail routes for the Odyssey Project. I enjoyed that project because it gave me a sense of trust and responsibility. It was the very first project I worked on, and I enjoyed crunching numbers and using creative methods to budget for the best mail routes to spread the word about this program. It was also challenging, which I enjoy healthy challenges. I also enjoyed it because I knew that I was helping low-income students who may need assistance [pursuing] their degrees.

What have you learned from working in the humanities? How can you apply what you have learned in the future?

One of the most important things that I have learned while working in the humanities is that every person has a story. Everyone in the humanities has their own story on why they chose to be a part of the humanities. My story was that I had a passion for people, debating, and a love of historical importance. I have also learned that being a part of the humanities is about building community with peers and understanding that a collection of perspectives is pivotal to learning. I believe that I can use these lessons in my future endeavors by understanding that my story is different from the person across from me. For success [in my future], I must understand that I do not have all the answers (as much as I have been programmed to think I do from my History papers).

What advice would you give to future HRI interns?

I would say, ask questions. The staff at HRI are extremely understanding and helpful. They will help guide you at time at HRI. Also, enjoy your time here: it is an awesome experience that will help you later in your career. Also, be prepared to learn. You will learn a bunch of useful skills here and you will learn about how important it is to listen to others who are different from you.