Coming Back to SC4K Feels Like Coming Home

Ananda is a senior Business Marketing Major at Howard University who served as SC4K’s Marketing & Engagement Intern in the summer of 2025. Ananda currently assists with the organization’s marketing and social media projects.

My journey with SC4K actually started before I became an intern. Before interning in the summer of 2025, I volunteered at a few distribution events and immediately saw the impact the organization was making for students and families across the community. Seeing families walk away with smiles, relief, and confidence showed me that SC4K’s mission was about much more than shoes and school supplies; it was about helping students feel prepared and supported when they walk into school.

That mission felt especially meaningful to me because both of my parents work in school systems. Growing up around educators, I was able to see firsthand the challenges many students face and how access to basic necessities can affect attendance, confidence, and academic success. Because of that, SC4K’s mission to break barriers to school attendance by providing new shoes, clothes, and school supplies to students in need immediately connected with me on a personal level.

When I officially joined SC4K as a summer intern in 2025, I expected to gain professional experience, but I ended up receiving much more. I learned how much work and care goes into every distribution event, donation drive, and family interaction. Whether it was organizing inventory, helping prepare for distributions, or supporting families directly, every task contributed to making a real difference for students.

What’s been even more meaningful is that my connection to SC4K didn’t stop after the internship ended. As a Business Marketing student at Howard University, I’ve continued staying involved by returning during winter break to help with winter distributions and coming back again during the summer to support distribution events for families preparing for the school year. Each time I come back, I’m reminded of how special the SC4K community is and how rewarding it feels to contribute to something bigger than yourself.

One of the biggest lessons SC4K has taught me is that small acts can create lasting impact. A new pair of shoes, winter clothes, or a backpack full of supplies may seem simple, but for many students, those items provide confidence, comfort, and a stronger start to the school day.

To the new interns joining SC4K this summer, my advice is:

• Be willing to learn and step outside your comfort zone.
• Ask questions and take initiative whenever you can.
• Build relationships with the people around you.
• Always remember the mission behind the work you’re doing.

Most importantly, enjoy the experience. SC4K is more than just an internship; it’s an opportunity to make a real impact while growing personally and professionally. I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences and relationships SC4K has given me, and I’m excited for the next group of interns to create their own memories here.