Students Set Sail for a Career with Internships

Natalia Garban (’16): Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)Inspired by her love and appreciation for art, Natalia Garban (’16) became an intern at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) through the Louis Vuitton Young Arts Program. She discovered the opportunity while attending a MOCA Teen Night in Downtown Los Angeles. Garban, and 27 other students were chosen out of 100 applicants. The application required her to respond to various essay-like questions, which allowed Garban to express her interest for art in writing. From planning events and exhibits for high school students to learning about the lives of artists, Garban has embraced the life behind a museum. Garban has had the opportunity to work with experts in the field, allowing her to form vital connections in the art world. Having the opportunity to share her passion for art with other young artists has been the most rewarding part of her internship at MOCA thus far.“The most enjoyable part is having thoughtful discussions with the people I work with, who are all my age and are incredibly interesting,” Garban said. Hayden Kirschbaum (’16): Natural History Museum of Los AngelesHayden Kirschbaum (‘16) got the chance to conduct his own research project under the supervision of Dr. Greg Pauly at the Natural History Museum. Kirschbaum, alongside Dr. Pauly, is studying the diet and range of the non-native Italian Wall Lizard in San Pedro. Kirschbaum also collects specimens, dissects lizards and identifies gut contents.

“I really enjoy teaching others about citizen science and getting hands-on experience conducting and writing a full research project,” Kirschbaum said.

 Ariel Silverman (’15): Dun & Bradstreet Credibility CorporationAriel Silverman (’15) was interested in learning more about the financing business, so she became an intern at the prestigious Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corporation after hearing about the opportunity through the ROP Office at Samo. Dun & Bradstreet is a corporation that offers credit reports and evaluations for businesses all over the world. Silverman was able to gain new skills while still having fun. She learned to work under pressure and to juggle multiple responsibilities. She was also able to make great connections to adults in the financing business.“Never be afraid to apply, no matter how intimidating the interview process may be,” Silverman said.“My favorite part was getting to meet all the extremely successful adults, and hear their advice and stories.” Ruby Baruth (’15): Internship at Heal the Bay AquariumFascinated by the world of marine biology, Ruby Baruth (’15) became an intern at the Heal the Bay Aquarium located under the Santa Monica Pier. The aquarium, a public marine education center, displays more than 100 species of marine plants and animals that can all be found in the Santa Monica Bay. Baruth’s job entails handling monetary transactions at the front desk, talking to visitors about the different marine life and working booths at public events. The internship also allowed her to create a public program of her own. She devised a new trash timeline, which outlines the history of various environmental issues and tracks the effects of trash on the community. The program is used to help inform the public of the consequences of littering.“My favorite part is working at the touch tanks and talking to the visitors about the local marine life,” Baruth said. Dorothy DeBiasse (’15): Richard Bloom’s 50th Assembly District OfficeDorothy DeBiasse (’15) began interning at Richard Bloom’s District Office after learning about the opportunity through the ROP program offered at Samo. Richard Bloom is a member of the California’s 50th Assembly District. DeBiasse’s daily tasks entailed researching topics such as alternative vehicles and new educational curriculums. She then reported her findings to Bloom. According to DeBaisse, working in Bloom’s office will prepare her for the transition from school to a career, most likely one in a similar environment as the district office.“I realized that there are so many jobs out there in the world, and you can end up almost anywhere. I learned that there is a place for me in the work world, and it made me look forward to the future,” DeBiasse said. Omeed Partovi (’16): Internship at the Venice Family Health CenterOmeed Partovi (’16), who has been interested in the medical field since he took Advanced Placement (AP) Biology last year, heard about the potential internship at the Venice Family Health Center through the Regional Occupation Program (ROP) program at Samo. Founded in 1970, the health clinic offers medical assistance to Westside residents, many of whom are of low-income backgrounds and do not have health insurance. Through his experience at the clinic, Partovi learned how to assist patients at the front desk. With expert instruction from the various doctors at the clinic, he was also able to learn how to treat patients. For Partovi, the internship broadened his mind to the extensive and selfless work of doctors and nurses.