Reflection of My Internship Experience with NJPIRG

I cannot believe it, but the day has finally come. As the spring semester comes to an end, I am glad I took part in this internship experience. From the day Annabel came to speak in my biology class, I took interest with PIRG. Most people join clubs and organizations to have something to add to their resume, but it takes someone who is motivated to make a change. That's what I wanted to do. We currently are witnesses of the changes in the environment and the energy crisis that we face, however some people continue to add to our crises instead of working to make a change. I didn't realize how high the numbers were, and how this is actually affecting us, until I did a presentation for the Energy Cafe, where we spoke out about some of these issues. I was also able to listen to a guest speaker talk about how we use energy, and what will become of us in the future. All this knowledge that I've acquired has encouraged me to not only to speak out the community, but actually encourage people to participate in changing their ways of living.

I would encourage everyone who is motivated and wants to make a change to take part in NJPIRG. Sometimes it might be hard to balance organizations with a busy academic schedule, but one of the good things with NJPIRG is that you don't have to intern, but instead you can just join to volunteer or for community service. NJPIRG also has several campaigns including Energy Service Corp, Hunger & Homelessness, Sustainable U, Citizens United; each targeting a different issue offering a variety for people to choose on what they would like to work on. As an intern with Energy Service Corp we worked to increase energy efficiency and solve the energy crisis we face today. We not only communicate, but also offer a free weatherization service. I wasn't with the weatherizations group, however this semester we accomplished to weatherize 85 houses, including some frat houses here in Rutgers. That is just incredible! We not only save energy, but are helping to save money and decreasing their energy bill by 30%.

I remember on the few times that we went canvassing, some of the residents that we spoke with thought we might have been a scam or something. I mean a free service that's going to help save money with nothing in return? that sounds almost hard to believe. They would say, "Oh sorry my  husband isn't here, I need to speak with him first." or " I'm only a tenant, not the owner of the house." However, we explained that we do simple changes to their homes, and all to benefit them, changes that could simple be removed if they don't want it. Once said, most of them agreed to our services.

As we spoke to each resident, I could feel the knowledge I bought upon each and every one of them. Some people really don't know, and are throwing their money literally out of the window. I would have like to have started canvassing earlier, however the lack of Spanish speaking interns slowed the process. As a freshman, becoming involved with an organization such as NJPIRG requires time and dedication, all of which I've given. I feel the hardest part for me was managing my time with certain things, and it's a struggle every new incoming freshman faces. Most interns did weatherizations, and very few for community education, which we should encourage more people to do so. Educating everyone to become energy efficient will not only solve the energy crisis, but help make this world a better place to live.  

Spread The Word to the Community

Here are two flyers I have made which are extremely helpful for current low-income families, now only in the New Brunswick area, but anywhere really. It summarizes some federal programs and grants available, as well as a brief overview of what we serve do accomplish in NJPIRG, such as weatherizations and community education. They were supposed to distributed at a table, unfortunately that was not able to happen. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I encourage everyone to print some out and hand them out, even if its to a random person you don't know, it'll help. Maybe engage in a conversation. You never know they might be interested, and so we can continue doing all the wonderful things we've accomplished this semester for the fall semester. Flyers are both in spanish and english, and contains the same exact information. I'd appreciate the collaboration !