Growing Into My Confidence

My time at the Evangelical Lutheran Congregations of America (ELCA) Outreach Center has not only been a journey of growth and finding my place in social work, but also a journey of discovering what I am truly capable of. My supervisors thoughtfully constructed this internship to be a hands-on learning opportunity that allows me to gain leadership skills. From the very beginning, my supervisors had told me that this position is what I make of it and to spread my wings.

When I first started at the ELCA, I had no idea what I could even be capable of. Since my time here, I have been able to work with my supervisor Raul to meet with a group of lawyers, help connect them with clients, and also understand the various nuances and barriers clients may face when attempting to navigate the legal system. I was also given the chance to create a grant for winter readiness supplies and bus tokens/gas cards which had been based off of a needs assessment I had conducted during the fall semester. This would ultimately lead me to be able to connect with the community on a deeper level while working towards creating a free bus token program for the ELCA. 

There were moments during my internship when I felt like “just an intern” and questioned whether I was making any real impact. At times, I struggled to embrace my confidence, but

I was able to overcome this with the help of my professors and classmates by reframing how I define failure and success. I had to understand that failure and success are not linear and do not define who I am. 

I learned that what matters most is how I grow from each experience. These challenges ultimately helped me grow stronger, more self-assured, and more aware of the value I bring to the field of social work.

My social work classes gave me a strong foundation which helped prepare me to face the emotional complexity of the social work field within my internship. Beyond that, these courses taught me the importance of self-awareness and reflection, which were the most important skills that I utilized during moments of ambiguity. 

Ydalia (middle) attending NASW-WI Advocacy Day in April 2025

To those of you just entering your field placements, I leave you with this: take every opportunity to learn something new and don’t ever be afraid to make mistakes.

Growth happens when you allow yourself to be vulnerable, ask questions, and fully engage in your internship.

There will be times when it can be challenging, but it’s also where you begin to see just how much you’re capable of.

Looking back, my time at the ELCA Outreach Center has not only prepared me for a future in social work, but it has given me a greater sense of confidence and a deeper understanding of the world around me and how I am capable of change and leadership. 

BY YDALIA DE LEON

Awarded Non-Profit Intern of the Year by the Aspire Center