Tessa

 Bounce Intern

“My job is to put Bounce’s impact – the smiles created and the lives transformed – into words; but all too often Bounce leaves me speechless!”

As Tessa was scrolling web page after web page looking for a summer internship, one particular posting caught her eye: Bounce Children’s Foundation Marketing & Communications Intern. A quick google search revealed the nature of the organization, and she was blown away by the impact of the work already being done by such a small not-for-profit. Submitting her resume, she couldn’t possibly fathom the impact that summer was about to have on her.

Tessa, a junior at Northwestern University, is studying Journalism with an Integrated Marketing Communications certificate and Business Institutions minor. On campus, she serves on the executive board of her dance company, as vice president of Northwestern’s food & lifestyle publication, and as a member of a slew of other clubs. She also works nights in retail, writing notes on the back of ‘hold’ slips to cram for upcoming exams while folding clothes. Yet, in her color-coded planner, Tessa continues to block time for Bounce, long after the conclusion of her internship.

“Being an intern at Bounce was not coffee runs and being ‘a fly on the wall’ in meetings,” said Tessa. “I was given a voice to give others a voice, leading a testimonial project that I continue with to this day. Hearing about Bounce’s impact on Bounce Kiddos, Parents, Siblings and Volunteers has been so incredibly rewarding.”

Documenting the experiences of Bounce community members is no easy task. It often leaves Tessa staring at a blank computer screen for an hour, striving to capture the essence of each individual just right. Using her passion for storytelling, she wants to highlight their story and inform the public about the unmatched services Bounce provides.

“Bounce is really special to both me and everyone I’ve gotten a chance to speak with, whether in a testimonial interview or at a Bounce Bash® family adventure,” notes Tessa. “My job is to put Bounce’s impact – the smiles created and the lives transformed – into words; but all too often Bounce leaves me speechless!”

“At Bounce events, that special feeling is almost palpable,” said Tessa.

Tessa points to the love and dedication of the small, but mighty, staff that drives Bounce forward – and the many volunteers.  She continues to rave about Bounce, believing in the mission wholeheartedly and knowing one day Bounce Children’s Foundation will expand to serve more than the Chicagoland area.  She can’t wait to tell those stories as well!