One intentional Google search gave Zel Salcedo, a resident of Quezon City, Philippines, a unique opportunity with her Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Arts specializing in Graphic Design.
In 2020, Zel sought volunteer opportunities harmonizing with her career path and values. She plugged in Google keywords but expected little to pop up. And then she came across WYA.
“Only World Youth Alliance made a mark in my heart. Their mission and their values were aligned perfectly with what I do and what I pursue in life. It was a big bonus that they offer design internships in their regional offices, which I applied for.”
Zel’s enthusiasm was further fueled by the prospect of participating in the Certified Training Program (CTP), where she could delve into philosophical concepts, share her knowledge with others, and personally apply these principles to her life. It was a unique opportunity to merge her personal beliefs with her career ambitions in an internship.
Transitioning from a regional design intern to a WYA HQ intern, Zel’s tasks include content creation and social media management for WYA and WYA’s sister organization, FEMM. One of her roles is designing materials for WYA’s events, such as the International Solidarity Forum. She excitedly shares, “I was tasked to create different outputs like art cards, IDs, booklets, slide deck presentations, motion graphic videos, and more. I was able to design them in reference from previous WYA events and enhance them in a way that will be engaging and fresh for the youth today. It was challenging and fun all at the same time.”
One of Zel’s most notable experiences during her internship was being invited to the International Summer Camp in Iloilo. There, she had the opportunity to meet more of WYA’s staff and members. “Even if we came from different backgrounds and cultures,” Says Zel, “It felt like we were old friends meeting again. I look forward to doing more projects with WYA and meeting more people with the same dedication to valuing human dignity!” In the future, Zel envisions playing an active role in protecting, educating and nurturing the dignity of children, and is interested in the Human Dignity Curriculum. “I have always believed that the youth are the seeds of the future, and how we water them matters.”
To young people contemplating a WYA internship, Zel offers an encouraging message. “Being a WYA intern is so much more than what you can do. You will learn about things you may not know and things you want to know more about. You will discover ideas and skills you may have never known. Most importantly, you will learn about your own growth as a human person with people who will value your growth. Lastly, as a WYA Intern, this internship continuously teaches me about promoting human dignity in various aspects of work, and pursuing actions with the intent of Excellence.”
Would you like to do more hands-on work with WYA? Click here to apply for a WYA internship!
WYA Staff, October 2023.
