By Angelyn Rendón | HDD Education Intern
Hello, I’m Angelyn Rendón. I currently attend Santee Education Complex High School. I am going into my senior year, and have the opportunity to work with Heidi Duckler Dance through an internship via Exploring The Arts since Fall 2023. ETA is an internship program that allows you to dive deeper into different art forms, whether you’ve been interested in some form of art for a while or are new to it. I have been drawing since a young age and used to be a dancer, so when I saw that my school posted a flier for this internship that involved the arts, I was excited to apply.
Since the beginning of my internship and throughout my time here everyone has been welcoming and supportive. My very first time supporting a program was the MAP Live! performance event. It was remarkable seeing how everyone works so well together, from solving unexpected problems to supporting one another. During this time, I supported the Managing Director, Raphaelle, with setting up the food table and restocking it. I also helped out the Engagement Director, Jessica, with light set-up by placing them on the site for each performer. Overall it was a cool first experience and I learned how each location has a unique way of setting up the site for a performance.
Some ways my skills have improved during my time here are working together with others, communicating if I don’t understand something, and stepping up in situations that I was uncomfortable in before. I have improved these skills by working the events that I attend. For example, if another team member has a question that I don’t quite know the answer to, I ask one of the main supervisors. I practiced my communication skills when I helped out with the art-making activity station at the Ebb and Flow community festival by explaining to visitors what the activity was and how it connected to the performance that they were going to see. I enjoyed talking to others and seeing different expressions of curiosity and excitement towards the activity. I am grateful for the opportunities during my time at HDD to work and reflect on those skills.
Photo by Cathie Arteaga | HDD Production + Festival Intern
This internship has also influenced my academic plans for the upcoming semester. Working for HDD has inspired me to work hard and not give up when things get rough. Since this internship has been teaching me that I am capable of doing things I doubt myself in, I feel like I can put these new skills to use in my academic life and succeed in school. During my time here I have also been taught that reaching out first isn’t bad and it gives me a chance to learn something new, especially when the people around you are willing to help, like my teachers, tutors, friends, and in this case, my HDD team!
