Equity from the Classroom to the City

Fernanda (Ferni) Santillan-Sandoval ’25 will participate as a McCarthy Fellow in San Francisco this fall. Last summer she was one of the 2024 cohort of Equity Interns, a collaboration between the University of Delaware’s Biden Institute and YMCA of San Francisco to increase educational equity and learning opportunities for all students across the city. Ferni shares her thoughts on how last summer’s internship experience is preparing for her upcoming internship in City Hall.

How did Equity Interns open your eyes?

Throughout the Equity Interns program, I was able to explore a topic I had always been
interested in — education. Once I had truly immersed myself in the program, and in
the classroom, I was able to see the need for reform within the educational system and its
policies. I noticed the lack of bilingual training within the staff. This issue felt incredibly
personal to me as someone who did not speak English as a first language. When I was in elementary school, we had one bilingual teacher and today it appears the same. As Equity Interns, we served extra aides to young bilingual students. Without the support of this program, I believe that many of these children would still be overlooked, and because of this program, hopefully, more information and help can be provided.

What connections did you make through your summer internship in the city?

Throughout my internship, I created many important and valued connections, not only professionally, but personally. The internship introduced me to lifelong friends both from USF and from the Biden Institute. The teachers and community partners I met throughout the program served as mentors and taught me more than I could have learned within the classroom alone. These individuals were passionate and worked tirelessly to create a more equitable learning environment, which shaped my perspective on a humanizing education. I will always be grateful for the lifelong connections I made through the summer internship.

How did the Equity Intern experience set you on your path?

As an Equity Intern, I was able to ask direct questions to professionals within
the field and have hands-on experience. Due to these experiences and exposure to the real
working world, I have gained communication skills that will allow me to go further on my path
than I ever could have imagined. The program has also inspired me to keep pursuing
change within the educational system going forward in my future career.

Looking to make a change in our city? Apply to become a McCarthy Fellow in San Francisco by March 1st! Click here to apply now!