TYO Intern Alumni: Where are They Now?

Sarah Coco

Professionally, I think TYO gave me a lot of confidence in my management skills. Being in charge of several classrooms a day, and a group of volunteers, pushed me to take charge in a way I would normally shy away from.

From Lancaster, PA, Sarah taught Arts and Crafts, English in The Women's Group, Professional Competency at An-Najah University and Community English as an intern at TYO Nablus in the summer of 2012.

What was your favorite moment/story from your time with TYO? 

My favorite time with TYO was pool time. When I first heard about this assignment, I remember being incredibly nervous because I can barely swim. But spending two hours in the pool every other day with 40 hyped-up nine year olds ended up being a blast.

What do you miss most about TYO or Nablus?

What I miss most about Nablus is the hugs! Everyday at TYO, whether I was in a class with kids or moms, or just walking around the building, someone would stop and give me a hug and ask me how my day was. My new job is great, but sadly lacking in hugs.

What have you been up to after leaving Nablus and what are your plans for the future?

Right now I'm interning at Albright Stonebridge Group, a consulting firm in DC. I'm hoping to stay in the area and get some experience for a few years, and then go to graduate school.

How do you think TYO affected you personally and professionally?

Personally, I think TYO gave me the experience to back-up my opinions. Before TYO, whenever Palestine came up, I was reluctant to express a firm opinion on any issues. I felt like it wasn't my place to say what was right or wrong if I was merely an observer. That changed after living in Nablus. Professionally, I think TYO gave me a lot of confidence in my management skills. Being in charge of several classrooms a day, and a group of volunteers, pushed me to take charge in a way I would normally shy away from.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering applying for a TYO internship?

I think the internship in Nablus is a really challenging experience, and anyone who goes should be ready to extend a great deal of compassion and patience to their students, their colleagues, and themselves. It's easy to expect everything to run smoothly, but Nablus is a challenging environment and things will go wrong. Be patient and be nice!