Discovering Purpose Through My Internship at Familia

Carlo Spano reflects on his transformative four-month internship at Familia, where he supported diverse groups, including job seekers, mothers, and teenagers. Through his experiences, he gained valuable insights into resilience, connection, and professional growth, especially in couple counseling. Grateful for the mentoring and community, Carlo encourages others to embrace new opportunities with courage and curiosity.

As my journey as social service intern with Familia comes to an end, I´ve been reflecting on all the many experiences I had during the past 4 months, witnessing and listening to the different issues and fears that each person from different peer support group faces on a daily basis in Finland.

​Working with job hunters, I´ve seen the resilience it takes to navigate the Finnish job market, to deal with the different episodes of discriminations that may occur, yet I also observed how much a little encouragement and support can make the difference in lifting someone's mood and spirit, brightening their day and their future vision.

Interacting with the mums and the babies/toddlers made me more conscious of the many and continuous struggles and challenges that mothers face during maternity. It was priceless to see them share their difficult experiences and realize they are not alone with certain struggles, reinforcing the connection between them and creating an amazing safe space.

Working with teenagers was an energizing experience, and it was a real pleasure to join them, blend in and feel 15 years younger during different activities, discussions and art work. Youth always have something to teach to young adults and adults, whether we expect it or not.

And especially, this experience in Familia helped me to find professional guidance and clearer sense of direction for my future as a social worker, especially thanks to the training sessions in couple counselling that I had the opportunity have. Heartfelt thanks to Tanja, for the constant support and priceless insights you shared with me! Your mentoring has been invaluable, and it motivates me to study and learn more about counselling.

To everyone I had the privilege to work with, and to all the Amazing interns, thank you all for your trust, for your honesty and for sharing your stories with me!  You made me feel part of this community, and I am grateful for every moment during this experience! I am sure this isn't a goodbye but instead a see you around.

PS: ​For all people who feel stuck, lost, or hopeless in life: Take that step! Make that experience! Send that application! You never know where a new person, a new place or a new opportunity is going take you! Don´t let the fear of rejection hold you back! Take that step, just dare!

Written by carlo spano