Today we have a special guest post from Sara Carter, our Thea’s Pantry intern!
Hi, my name is Sara and I was the intern for Thea’s Pantry this semester. When I first started my internship at the pantry, I honestly did not know what to expect. I had heard of the pantry before, and knew that food insecurity was an issue for many college students, but I never fully understood how common it really was. I also did not fully understand how difficult it can be for students to ask for help, especially if there is a stigma surrounding food insecurity. I thought the pantry would be somewhere tucked away, and that not many people would visit. But I couldn’t be more wrong. The pantry represents so much more than just a place to get food.
As the semester went on, my perspective completely changed. I learned how many students are balancing responsibilities that others may never see. Many students are working jobs, paying rent, supporting family members, and struggling with rising food costs. The pantry serves students from many different backgrounds, and it opened my eyes to how common food insecurity can be, even among people who appear to be doing well on the outside.
Working at the pantry taught me the importance of compassion and creating a welcoming environment. Small interactions, like greeting students kindly or helping them find what they need, can make a huge difference. I realized the pantry is not only about providing food but also about supporting students during stressful times. Seeing students leave with relief and gratitude reminded me of how important community resources are on college campuses.
This internship has helped me grow professionally, and I am so grateful that it challenged many of my assumptions and helped me become a more understanding and empathetic person. I started the semester thinking I would simply be helping stock shelves and weigh food, but ended up planning events, making friends, and helping others. This internship showed me how meaningful even small acts of support can be, and it is an experience I will carry with me moving forward in my career.
Thank you to Sara for all of her hard work this semester! If you would like to learn more about Thea’s Pantry, visit our website!
