Maryann Enereba Policy and Communications Intern

What I learned from being a policy and communications intern at Cwmpas.

The past two months have been the most significant two months of growth for me.

I have always been interested in leadership and making an impact on people’s lives, but didn’t know how or where to start. It always felt like a hard task, but coming into Cwmpas I realised that what I thought was hard was simply just passion. 

I was welcomed by people who really cared and showed interest in my journey.

I was able to work with people who have been making an impact on the communities for years, including through Digital Communities Wales and supporting social enterprises.

This being my first internship experience, it made me realise the importance of communication and the true meaning of teamwork.

I had no clue about what a real work life was like – I got a customer service role when I came to Swansea but lost it that same month; this made me lose confidence and I always felt like I did not fit in as an ethnic minority in Wales, but after my interview with Cwmpas I realised that I had gained so much confidence.

I felt heard and seen by my interviewers. I felt so happy that a company would create that space for interns from an ethnic minority to grow and be a part of policy development in Wales.

I found a new passion for policy making, as I saw the important part that Cwmpas plays in the growth and development of Wales through social enterprise, co-operative housing and digital inclusion.

I have never seen people so passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others.

I remember my first physical meeting; I left the room that day telling myself that I wanted to be just like the women in the room.

As an international student, this internship gave me an opportunity to learn more about policies in Wales, but beyond this it made me truly develop my passion, constantly improve myself and make a positive impact wherever I find myself. 

Although my internship has come to an end, I am taking with me the values of Cwmpas, making bold decisions to better the lives of people around me.

I want to say a big thank you to everyone, but especially the Policy and Communications team – thank you so much for giving me a chance to grow.