Meet Payton Roff, PATH Summer Intern

Payton Roff, PATH Foundation Intern

The PATH Foundation offers college students a unique opportunity to serve as Summer Interns with a variety of nonprofit organizations throughout its service area. Through this experience, interns gain firsthand knowledge of how organizations support and strengthen their communities. In addition to their work with host organizations, interns participate in collaborative activities organized by the PATH Foundation, culminating in a final project.

The Plains Community League applied to host an intern this summer, and Payton Roff was selected to work with us. Payton has been a tremendous asset to our program, bringing enthusiasm, dedication, and valuable contributions throughout her internship. Take a moment to read about her experience.

Reflecting on My Summer Internship with The Plains Community League through the Path Foundation  

As I've been reflecting on my internship experience, I've realized how much I've learned over the past few months. I am incredibly grateful to the PATH Foundation and The Plains Community League (TPCL) for providing me with such a rewarding opportunity. This internship gave me the chance to work alongside organizations that are truly dedicated to serving their community. Throughout the summer, I worked on a variety of projects, including researching TPCL's history and programs, evaluating the website, writing blog posts, and learning more about community outreach and nonprofit communications. Through these experiences, I gained a greater appreciation for TPCL's commitment to supporting local families and creating opportunities for the community. Working withTPCL showed me the impact a community organization can have when it is committed to serving others. From supporting local families to creating meaningful opportunities for children, I saw firsthand how much dedication goes into every program and event. 

One of my favorite parts of this internship was spending time at TPCL's Summer Camp. I especially enjoyed taking photos of the campers and capturing all the fun, excitement, and memorable moments throughout the summer. It was also inspiring to watch Erica interact with the campers. She has a natural ability to connect with each child, creating a positive, welcoming environment where everyone feels included. The campers' energy and enthusiasm made every visit one of the highlights of my internship. This experience also helped me grow professionally by strengthening my writing, research, and communication skills while showing me the impact nonprofit organizations can have through the dedication of their staff, volunteers, and community partners. 

As I prepare for the next chapter of my education and career, I will carry the lessons I've learned from this experience with me. This internship reinforced the importance of service, collaboration, and giving back to the community, and I know these values will continue to guide me in the future. Thank you, TPCL and the PATH Foundation, for an unforgettable summer and for investing in my growth. I am proud to have been part of an organization that works so hard to make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

--Payton Roff