Senior Seminar provides a unique opportunity for LHS seniors to participate in an internship that fits their interests. In order to be accepted into this group, students must submit a copy of their resume as well as a project proposal. Upon their acceptance, students are required to complete 50 hours of an unpaid internship. While it is a common misconception that Senior Seminar is a class that takes place during the school day, the various internships offered to students must be completed after school hours. At the end of the school year, students must write a research paper and prepare an oral presentation about their internship experiences.

This select group of 60 hardworking and ambitious students is driven to explore fields that they may be interested in pursuing a career in. With the help of Senior Seminar coordinator Benedict Tieniber, students are able to find internships that relate to their career interests. Internships are great opportunities to create connections, learn about a specific field, and gain valuable experiences. 

Many high schoolers find it difficult to be confident in knowing what they want to do in the future, which is why internships may be a good way to decide which career path they would like to pursue. Senior Jordan Glickman, a member of Senior Seminar, said, “I’ve been learning how a professional setting runs, and this experience is going to be very helpful to me for the future.” 

Senior Emma Ward, who participates in Senior Seminar, has an internship at New York Senator Todd Kaminsky’s office. Though she finds it “difficult to find time to intern,” she “makes sure to intern at least a few days a week.” When interning, Ward has a variety of roles in the office. “I call people to help them with their unemployment cases, I go to community events with other interns, and I do community service activities such as beach cleanups,” she said. This opportunity has given Ward unique experiences that are not available to many teenagers.

Another unique aspect about internships is how completely customizable they are to one’s interests. This year, students are involved in internships from physical therapy to engineering and construction. Ward chose to intern at a senator’s office because she is interested in helping others: “I have loved helping many people when I intern,” Ward said.

Senior Collin Lung is also a member of Senior Seminar. He is currently pursuing an internship in the field of engineering because he hopes to major in engineering in college. “I love math and science, and engineering couldn’t be a better fit for me,” he said. As a part of his job, Lung “scans documents and shreds papers while also learning the process behind their engineering projects.” 

Lung can relate to the stress that high schoolers face to choose a career. However, he said that this internship has helped him solidify his decision to continue along the engineering career path. “Speaking to the engineers at this firm and listening to their own stories and experiences is extremely fascinating, and I am eager to learn more in this field,” Lung said.