Week 10: Closing Reflections

My final week at GAIN was quieter in terms of tasks, but no less meaningful. I spent time wrapping up assignments, saying goodbyes, and reflecting on all I had learned this summer.

Looking back, the work was what I expected in some ways, and completely unexpected in others. I anticipated honing my legal skills like drafting memos, researching country conditions, learning the intricacies of immigration law, and I did. But what I didn’t anticipate was how much personal growth would come alongside the professional.

This summer was full of dualities. It was heartbreaking to hear clients’ stories of violence and displacement, but uplifting to see their resilience. It was sobering to witness the fear and loneliness of immigration proceedings, but inspiring to see communities of advocates show up in solidarity. It was frustrating to see how slow and uncertain the system can be, but energizing to witness the relentless passion of the staff and volunteers who refuse to give up.

Nothing about this work is black and white. Every story, every case, every moment lives in the tension between pain and hope, injustice and perseverance. 

As I leave this internship, I carry with me not just new skills, but a deeper understanding of what it means to advocate for justice in the real world. And while my time at GAIN has come to an end, the lessons and perspectives I’ve gained will stay with me as I continue on this path.