Last updated: July 15, 2024
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Intern Spotlight: Gia Flores-Arellano
Courtesy of Gia Flores-Arellano
Meet Gia Flores-Arellano! She is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at El Paso, while she is pursuing a degree in painting and a minor in museum studies. She is a first-generation college student and an artist and grew up in the border communities of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Her time as an intern with the Latino Heritage Internship Program through Environment for the Americas was a significant and cherished chapter in her life.
Through internship opportunities provided by my university's museum studies program, I unexpectedly found myself in the National Park Service. The LHIP position caught my attention because of its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural community. I decided to apply, and I was fortunate enough to land the job. It has been an incredible opportunity, and I am grateful for the experience.
During my internship at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, I had many opportunities to learn and experience many aspects of park life. Although I was hired as the Public Affairs intern, I got to work on museum collections, assist film crews, and collaborate with interpretive rangers. I also worked on the Fourth of July, an important holiday, at a very important location. Additionally, I conducted the annual inventory for the memorial's collection. I was fortunate enough to travel extensively and visit eight national parks in states I had never been to before. I presented my project at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, DC, in front of fellow interns and staff. I was awarded as the best all-around intern for the 2023 LHIP cohort. Overall, the highlight of my internship was the opportunity to showcase my work ethic and personal growth. I gained invaluable experience that will help me in my future endeavors, and it also represented my family and the city I come from.
At Mount Rushmore National Memorial, I actively cultivated a sense of community by getting to know every person in each division. This personal connection allowed me to effectively utilize resources from various departments. Additionally, I formed friendships with my coworkers and fellow interns and received valuable support from my supervisor and mentor. The supportive atmosphere throughout the summer made me feel privileged to be part of such an amazing team and community at the memorial.
How did you find yourself at the National Park Service?
Through internship opportunities provided by my university's museum studies program, I unexpectedly found myself in the National Park Service. The LHIP position caught my attention because of its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural community. I decided to apply, and I was fortunate enough to land the job. It has been an incredible opportunity, and I am grateful for the experience.
What has been the highlight of your experience as an intern with the National Park Service?
During my internship at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, I had many opportunities to learn and experience many aspects of park life. Although I was hired as the Public Affairs intern, I got to work on museum collections, assist film crews, and collaborate with interpretive rangers. I also worked on the Fourth of July, an important holiday, at a very important location. Additionally, I conducted the annual inventory for the memorial's collection. I was fortunate enough to travel extensively and visit eight national parks in states I had never been to before. I presented my project at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, DC, in front of fellow interns and staff. I was awarded as the best all-around intern for the 2023 LHIP cohort. Overall, the highlight of my internship was the opportunity to showcase my work ethic and personal growth. I gained invaluable experience that will help me in my future endeavors, and it also represented my family and the city I come from.
What is it like to cultivate a community as a National Park Service intern?
At Mount Rushmore National Memorial, I actively cultivated a sense of community by getting to know every person in each division. This personal connection allowed me to effectively utilize resources from various departments. Additionally, I formed friendships with my coworkers and fellow interns and received valuable support from my supervisor and mentor. The supportive atmosphere throughout the summer made me feel privileged to be part of such an amazing team and community at the memorial.
Courtesy of Gia Flores-Arellano
What projects have you been involved in so far?
Over the summer, I had worked on a communications plan for Native American Heritage Month, which took place in November. My focus was on highlighting the cultural interpreters and performers from one of the nine tribal nations in South Dakota who are part of the Lakota nation. These individuals educate visitors about the Indigenous peoples, history, and culture of the Black Hills. To help the cultural interpreters prepare for their talks and performances, I assisted with set up, gathered photographs, created interview questions, and conducted research. I also interviewed Indigenous National Park Service staff to share their stories and expertise. The goal was to create press releases, social media posts, and web pages for visitors that would share the importance of the histories and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Black Hills. This would help educate visitors about the significance of self-awareness and cultural education within the memorial. When November arrived, we saw positive feedback from visitors who viewed the social media posts. Many shared their thoughts about the importance of the stories, cultural presentations, and performances during their visit to the memorial.
What have you learned that you will take forward in your career?
That summer, the new skills and experiences I had allowed me to broaden my horizons and realize that I was capable of more than I had thought. I plan to pursue a career in the National Park Service or in museums. Through these great experiences, I learned how important work ethics are and how much I have grown as a person. It gave me a new perspective on life and showed me what I am truly capable of achieving.
What are you doing now?
I am a senior in my last semester of undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at El Paso. I aspire to work as a museum technician or interpretive ranger in the National Park Service. I am deeply passionate about these opportunities, This summer, I will be an Interpretive Ranger at Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, Washington.
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