ARTS Level Up Summer Internship

Jocelyn Martinez Garcia

ARTS Summer Level Up Intern

ARTS stood out because of the way it allows youth to explore their creativity, use art as a tool to express themselves, and build confidence. I knew that this would be a meaningful experience for me. I was looking forward to being part of a program in which kids could express themselves freely and feel supported through art. 

At ARTS, I spent the majority of my time engaging with the kids as they worked on their many projects. Floating around the room, offering support, asking questions about their creative process, and stepping in whenever they needed assistance with materials or brainstorming ideas. I tried to be a consistent and supportive presence by providing them with the necessary materials, reminding them to stay on task, or simply being a person they could talk to as they worked on their projects.

I was also there to assist the teaching artists whenever they needed an extra hand, such as passing out materials, clearing up the space, or stepping out. I was able to learn a lot by watching how they guided the kids and created a space that was both structured and open to creativity. I love how, in presenting a project and walking through the steps, the teaching artist would encourage the kids to take creative risks in their projects, like blending and making their shades, allowing them to use their imagination, not always using references, and just focusing on having fun rather than it being perfect. There were also a few times when I was able to join in and do the project alongside the kids, which I enjoyed. I felt that in doing the project with them helped me connect with them. Much of what I did was simply being present. Listening, encouraging their creativity, reassuring them of their strengths, and just being someone they could count on throughout the week.

What I enjoyed the most was watching what they were making and hearing about the backstories behind their art. It was incredible to learn what purpose or meaning they ascribed to it. Getting to know them, seeing their expressive nature, and simply being there to listen and offer support was so meaningful to me. On my last day, one of the girls I’d been working with gave me a painting she made as a goodbye gift, telling me she would miss me, and it felt so good and made me proud to have that kind of positive effect on a kid’s life.  That moment reminded me how powerful it is to just be there for them, encourage them, and listen to them. 

I enjoyed being in an environment surrounded by so many talented and creative people with such positive energy. Overall, I truly feel privileged to be a part of such an impactful program. If at all possible in the future, I would be glad to do it again. Programs like Level Up change the lives of young people, and being able to help make that possible means a lot to me. Currently, I am working on earning my associate’s degree in psychology at my local community college with plans to transfer to a four-year university. Though I am still figuring out exactly where I want this path to take me, this experience has made me realize I want to do community-based work. This experience gave me a clearer sense of what I want to be part of moving forward.

Hi, I am Jocelyn. I grew up in Vista, CA, where most of my childhood memories are of the time spent with my siblings and cousins. I have always been drawn to and found comfort in creative things, beginning with making sock dresses for my dolls, sewing, embroidery, jewelry making, and crocheting. I love to create.  I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology. For me, it’s really important to help people understand that mental health is just as important and deserves the same amount of care as physical health.

I was introduced to this opportunity through the Youth Mental Health Academy, which focuses on supporting students interested in pursuing careers in the mental health field. I learned about it from my former high school. After looking more into it, I applied because of how well it aligned with my interests. The program allowed me to explore several internship opportunities for this summer before being matched as a Program intern for the ARTS Level Up program.