Helping Make Wishes Come True

Senior Rebecca Oliveri is just one of many UAlbany students interning around the world this summer.

Five years ago, UAlbany student Rebecca Oliveri was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain disease. It was a difficult period for the Lynbrook, Long Island native, made slightly easier by one thing: a Make-A-Wish Foundation-funded trip to Paris.

Now in her senior year at UAlbany, Oliveri’s memorable experience motivated her to seek an internship at the non-profit organization.

“I believe internships are critical to the learning experience at UAlbany,” Oliveri said, who is interning at the Foundation’s Metro New York chapter. “It’s such a large school and getting hands-on experience can help students grow independently both at school and after graduation.”

UAlbany students are interning at various companies and organizations this summer, including ESPN, the National Institute of Standards & Technology, IBM, and Disneyland, as well as the New York State Senate, Assembly and Supreme Court.

As a summer intern in the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Special Events Department, Oliveri assists with phone calls, volunteer management, sponsorships and event preparation, among other duties.

“My favorite thing about Make-A-Wish was that the people took the time and effort to show they actually cared about me and my experience. The little things are what led me to be so inspired by them and apply for an internship,” said Oliveri, the sociology and Spanish student.

Oliveri said she feels honored to assist children who are facing tough situations in their lives, much like she did as a teen. She added that she’s proud to give back to the Foundation that helped her, and will continue to support the organization after her May 2013 graduation.

“This is definitely an experience which has shaped my life,” said Oliveri, who after several surgeries is now disease-free. “I am enjoying my internship so much and hope to pursue a career in the non-profit industry.”

Read about another UAlbany summer intern.

Are you interning this summer? Email us a photo of you at your internship to [email protected] for a chance to win a $50 Bookstore gift card.

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