What's it Like Interning at ACN?

Throughout this blog you will be able to read about two former UTSA Honors College Citymester Interns experiences here at ACN and how having this opportunity expanded their knowledge for their future careers.

ACN collaborates with 9 different University Programs in order to get their interns a headstart into their own personal careers. For this 2025 summer ACN gave the opportunity to two formal UTSA Honors College Citymester Program students to work in their non-profit organization. Senior, Kayla Estrada, majoring in Medical Humanities with a concentration in Pre-Advanced Health Professionals (Pre-Nursing) and Senior, Jaqueline Mata, majoring in Community Health and Aging. During this 10 week collaboration, ACN’s mission was to empower college students pursuing careers in allied health by providing guidance and community-based learning opportunities. By addressing barriers to success, creating inclusive, hands-on experiences, ACN helps students build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the healthcare field.

So WHY ACN? Why should YOU be a Part of the Herd?

ANSWER : ACN offers a supportive community that helps future healthcare professionals succeed in their careers.

An ACN WE:PLAY intern engages with a camper during an art activity.

Behing the Scenes at Clinic

ACN’s atmosphere shouts compassion and comfort. One of the first things we noticed was how seamlessly and supportively the clinician team collaborates. During clinic observation, we observed clinical experts in action where we learned about:

● Early intervention and diagnosis of autism.

● Effective management strategies tailored to each child.

● The importance of supporting not just the child, but the entire family.

We also learned about how much clinicians work with care, thoughtfulness, and creativity such as;

● Carefully choosing what toys to use.

● Interacting in ways that honor each child.

● Adapting their communication style.

Their approach honored each child’s individuality. And their interaction and communication helped us better understand the individuality of each child. It was one thing to read about neurodiversity-affirming care, but sitting behind the scenes and witnessing it firsthand through the practice of clinicians provided an eye-opening level of insight.

A student clincian practices her play skills with a clinic patient during an evaluation.

Family-like Atmosphere

From the first day of interning, ACN made us feel like valued partner of the team. Everyone is welcoming, supportive, and genuinely interested in helping you to learn and grow. Whether it's assisting with events, or working directly with students, the staff always took the time to include us and explain how our own work contributed to their larger mission. Their encouragement and willingness to answer questions makes you feel comfortable. A positive environment is offered that helps you build confidence not only as an intern but as your future self. Being treated as a team member rather than just an intern shows the importance of collaboration and kindness in professional spaces.

Welcoming Environment: “From day one, the team made me feel included and valued.”

Hands-On Learning: “Opportunities to assist with real projects”

Encouragement and Support: “Staff provided constant guidance and positive feedback.”

Team Collaboration: “Treated as a true part of the team, not just an intern”.

Professional Growth: “Gained confidence in leadership skills.”

Community Focus: “Learned the importance of working together to support future healthcare professionals.”

Real-World Experience: “Saw firsthand how compassion and teamwork impact healthcare education.”

Two ACN student clinicians support an infant's play during a mini-screening event while her mother looks on in the background, consulting with a clinician.

KAYLA’S PERSONAL INSIGHTS ABOUT JOINING THE HERD

As a former member of the 2025 UTSA Honors College Citymester program, I had the opportunity to intern with ACN this summer. Over my 10-week internship, I was able to expand my knowledge in ways I never expected. Working closely with ACN’s dedicated team, I gained firsthand experience in community outreach, student support, and the efforts to improve healthcare education access here in San Antonio.

One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was working with neurodiverse children. Learning how to adapt communication styles, practicing patience, and understanding the unique needs of each child taught me lessons that go far beyond the classroom. These experiences have helped me develop greater empathy and skills. I know it will be essential as I move forward in my journey to become a nurse. This internship didn’t just help me grow professionally but it deepened my understanding of healthcare, showing me the importance of meeting patients where they are and providing care that is both compassionate and individualized. Being part of ACN’s mission to empower students has inspired me to carry that same commitment into my future career as a nurse.

JAQUELINE’S PERSONAL INSIGHTS ABOUT JOINING THE HERD

Being an intern at ACN was a transformative experience that deeply shaped both my personal and professional growth. I came in eager to expand my knowledge in neurodiversity and to learn what it takes to be a part of a nonprofit that advocates and supports this community.

I had the privilege of shadowing dedicated clinical professionals and learning about the tools and knowledge that goes into every autism evaluation. Each diagnosis was approached with exceptional care and expertise which I deeply valued. One of my most meaningful experiences at ACN was learning and observing how children with autism communicate through verbal, social, and motor cues. Learning has taught me how to support neurodiversity through a more informed and empathetic lens. This experience was especially meaningful to me because my nephew was recently diagnosed with autism and because of what I learned at ACN, I’ve been able to build a stronger, more supportive relationship with him.

Overall I’m incredibly grateful for this experience. ACN has sparked my love for helping others into a deeper purpose, inspiring me to take action and pursue my dream in starting a nonprofit. Through this internship, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to create a change, and feel confidently empowered to go for it. Thank you ACN!

ACN Staff, Katie (Director of Outreach & Education, far left) and Anna Paola (Licensed Clinical Social Worker, far right) welcome their Citymester and Social Work interns during orientation. (interns from left to right: Kayla, Jaqueline, and Tonya)

ACN is the Place to Be!

If you are looking for more than just an internship, ACN is where you’ll find it. Here, you are not just a student—you’re part of something bigger. Joining the herd means joining a team that believes in your potential and gives you the tools to succeed, both in school and in your future career!

“I will forever cherish ACN and thank the herd for expanding my knowledge" - Kayla

“Thank you, ACN for this unforgettable and transformative experience” - Jaqueline

If you are interested in interning at ACN, please reach out to katie@acn-sa.org We are currently seeking a Programs & Outreach Intern for Fall of 2025.