
We Think 4 A Change is dedicated to creating impactful community change, and we couldn’t do it without the help of dedicated interns like Nicholas Spitalery. In this Q&A, we sit down with Nicholas to learn more about his journey, his experiences at We Think 4 A Change, and how his internship has influenced his career path.
Q: Can you introduce yourself and share what attracted you to intern at We Think 4 A Change?
Nicholas: My name is Nicholas Spitalery, and I’m currently a senior at Cleveland State University, graduating this December. I was looking for a new experience in the social work field and was drawn to We Think 4 A Change because of the amazing work they do with people living with HIV and the broader community. I have a background working with people struggling with addiction and wanted to expand my knowledge and impact as many people as possible through this organization.
Q: What were your main responsibilities as an intern?
Nicholas: I helped with community outreach, distributing food and groceries, assisting with events, and providing HIV test kits, condoms, and information about prevention and treatment. I also helped educate the community, which was incredibly rewarding.
Q: What past experiences or studies helped prepare you for this role?
Nicholas: My experience as a counselor’s assistant in addiction treatment centers definitely prepared me for this internship. I was exposed to working with individuals living with HIV, often due to their lifestyle choices or shared needle use. This experience gave me a foundational understanding of the virus, but interning at We Think 4 A Change has deepened my knowledge significantly. I’ve learned so much about how people can live fulfilling lives while managing the condition.
Q: What project or task did you enjoy the most during your internship?
Nicholas: I really enjoyed the community outreach programs, especially organizing and running events like the men’s HIV retreat and our "Trunk or Treat" event, where we passed out candy to kids and provided HIV awareness materials to parents. I also loved helping with the produce pass-out days, where we distributed fresh food to community members in need. It felt great to connect with people and make a real difference.
Q: What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Nicholas: The biggest challenge was immersing myself in the HIV community and learning all the medical terminology, treatments, and best practices. Educating myself on the complexities of the virus was crucial, so I could confidently pass that information on to others during outreach.
Q: How would you describe the culture at We Think 4 A Change? Did you feel supported?
Nicholas: I felt 100% supported. Michelle and Tony Elmore were always there for me whenever I needed guidance or resources. They truly care about my growth and about the work they do. The entire team is passionate about helping others, and I felt included and valued from day one.
Q: Have you developed any new skills during your internship?
Nicholas: I’ve definitely gained more confidence in reaching out to community resources and facilitating partnerships for events. I also feel more comfortable applying my knowledge of HIV and how to help those living with it or prevent it.
Q: What advice would you give to future interns?
Nicholas: My advice is to listen, grow, and enjoy the experience. There’s so much to learn from people who are passionate about making a difference, like Michelle and the team. Even if you don’t end up pursuing this field long-term, the knowledge and skills you gain will be valuable in all aspects of life.
Q: Has this internship influenced your future career plans?
Nicholas: Absolutely. Before this internship, I was set on working in addiction recovery. Now, after experiencing the impact of community outreach and the broader scope of social work, I’m more interested in working in a community-focused role. I’ve even spoken with Michelle about possible opportunities after graduation!
Q: Based on your experience, would you consider working with similar organizations in the future?
Nicholas: 100%. This work feels like a calling, and I would love to continue supporting organizations with missions like We Think 4 A Change.
Q: Lastly, what are you most proud of during your time here?
Nicholas: I’m proud of the moments where I could directly help someone, whether it was providing resources, answering questions, or simply making someone smile. There wasn’t one specific achievement, but rather the collective impact of the work we did as a team. That’s what I’m proudest of.
Final Thoughts from Nicholas: For anyone considering an internship or a similar role, trust in yourself and in the process. This work is challenging but fulfilling, and it’s an opportunity to truly make a difference in people’s lives.
We are grateful for the contributions Nicholas has made during his time with us, and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact he will continue to make in the future!
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