This summer, I had the opportunity to return to Boise State University’s TRIO Upward Bound Summer Program, but my role expanded significantly from last year. In addition to serving as an Internship Liaison, I also taught an English Language Arts course for students in grades 9–12. Having the opportunity to work with students both in the classroom and in their internship placements gave me a unique perspective on how academic learning and real-world experiences complement one another.

The theme of our ELA course was “Language as Power.” We began by exploring the idea, inspired by Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens, that humanity’s greatest superpower is our ability to create and share stories. From money and governments to brands and social movements, humans organize society through shared narratives. Throughout the summer, students examined how language shapes beliefs, identities, and the choices people make every day.

One of the highlights of the course was spending a week participating in the Mentor Artist Foundation’s Playwrights Project. Students worked through the creative process of developing original dramatic works, learning how storytelling can communicate ideas, emotions, and perspectives that facts alone often cannot. Watching students discover their own voices as writers reinforced the importance of creativity alongside traditional academic skills.

Another memorable experience came through our partnership with Idaho Rivers United. Their staff demonstrated how nonprofit organizations use language and storytelling to inspire people to care about Idaho’s rivers and natural resources. Rather than simply discussing environmental issues, students spent time along the Boise River conducting authentic scientific fieldwork. They collected water samples and tested pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and other indicators of water quality. The combination of scientific investigation and persuasive communication helped students see that solving real-world problems requires both STEM knowledge and the ability to effectively communicate with others.

Our visit to the Anne Frank Memorial and Wassmuth Center for Human Rights further reinforced the theme that language has the power to shape history. Students explored the Anne Frank statue, the Secret Annex exhibit, the Chestnut Tree, the Spiral of Injustice, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Memorial Quote Wall, and the newly completed Do Good Plaza. Throughout the day, students reflected on how words can be used to dehumanize others, justify injustice, inspire resistance, or promote reconciliation. The experience demonstrated that language is never neutral—it can both divide and unite communities.

Outside the classroom, I continued serving as an Internship Liaison for several students participating in professional internships throughout the Treasure Valley. I transported students to their internship sites, maintained communication with supervisors, and helped students navigate the expectations of a professional workplace. Two students interned with the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, while another worked with Genesis Health helping coordinate healthcare services for Spanish-speaking members of the community. Watching students contribute to organizations that directly serve Idaho communities reinforced the value of providing authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom.

What struck me most this summer was how naturally the classroom and internship experiences reinforced one another. The communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills students practiced in English class were the same skills they relied upon in their internships. Likewise, their workplace experiences gave greater meaning to our classroom discussions about language, storytelling, advocacy, and civic responsibility. Students began recognizing that effective communication is not simply an academic requirement—it is a practical skill that influences careers, relationships, leadership, and community engagement.

This externship reinforced my belief that education is most effective when students can connect classroom learning to authentic experiences. Whether students were writing plays, analyzing historical narratives at the Anne Frank Memorial, collecting scientific data on the Boise River, or serving community organizations through internships, they were learning that language is one of the most powerful tools people possess. As I return to my regular classroom this fall, I look forward to continuing to build learning experiences that help students see the connections between literature, history, science, civic engagement, and the lives they are preparing to lead.