Summer Internship 2026: A Journey of Change and Growth

My name is Sathvik Sanka and I am a rising 10th grader, and I go to this high school called Triangle Math and Science Academy. I have been a part of VT Seva for around six to seven years and I am from Cary, North Carolina. Throughout my experience, this internship was a transformative experience. But this summer was my first opportunity to experience this mission firsthand through the VT SEVA internship in India. I went to three places in India with other interns: Hyderabad, Adilabad, and Vizag and I never imagined how deeply this journey would change my life, perspective, and having an open mindset.

One of the most unforgettable experiences was visiting the tribal school in Allampally and Beersaipeta in Adilabad district that day. When I stepped there with the other interns and welcomed us while they were playing their smooth and traditional instruments and gave beautiful flowers that symbolizes that we as interns will never forget coming here. Their bright smiles and excitement made me feel accepted. At first, I didn't know what the tribal kids were talking about outside but then as I stepped with my bare foot I started introducing myself and we talked about the environment there and the history, economy, and politics around there and we started to build our friendship

 During our time, I taught them math and an outdoor game called taekwondo. I had fun teaching and interacting with the children by playing games like Simon says and heads up seven up which brought endless laughter and enjoyment in the class. After school we spent time playing cricket and volleyball together. Every evening, they showed their hostel to me where we talked, laughed, and challenged each other to friendly arm-wrestling matches. Those moments reminded me that friendships are built not only through conversation but our experiences.  I went to the other classes, and I asked what do you want to become and they told me that I want to be in the army, a politician, or a teacher. Hearing their ambition despite the challenges they faced made me appreciate their determination and resilience. It reminded me that their dreams are not limited by where someone grows up but are driven by hope and hard work. 

At Allampally and Beersaipeta, we volunteered by serving meals to the children. We even went to the Thandas and met local people there and so many kids were holding hands on me and asking can you lift me? And I said “sure” and they kept on calling me “brother, brother lift me” for grabbing my attention at them. Their excitement over such a simple interaction and my heart was warming up and this reminded me of the small acts of kindness that can leave a lasting impact. We met a 110-year-old woman in the Thandas and holding a stick and walking at an old age was the most unbelievable moment of my life. 

Our journey continued In Visakhapatnam, where we went to the Varija school for visually challenged students where we greeted them by saying “Jai Srimanaryana”. Before, we introduced ourselves and some of the kids told me that they learn how to swim which is very hard for them and it amazed me because of the additional challenges that they overcome everyday. My friends and I had an opportunity to play this game with the other interns called Goalball which is right next to the school and it was a fun and hard game playing with blind kids. It was much more difficult than I expected and it gave me a greater appreciation for the students' determination and their optimism. 

When we went back to Hyderabad we went to JIMS college and the staff took us on the tour and we saw the students studying and learning the subject and we also went to see the kind of labs like pathology and Microbiology labs and went to the JIMS hospital and saw so many patients and it is not only that,  it showed us the dedication and commitment of doctors  We also went to the Nethra junior college and they gave certificates for the opportunity that they gave us and our participation for this internship that had made me to reflect my overall experience. Looking back, from these wonderful moments that I had was not only just teaching or not just traveling to but, every moment this reminded me of kindness and gratitude, has held the power to connect people regardless of their age, language, or background.

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In conclusion, this VT Seva internship was like an opportunity, like a transformation to strengthen my appreciation for education, inspired me to be that type of a leader and it showed me the acts can make a difference to me. I am grateful to VT Seva for providing this incredible opportunity, and I hope to continue serving these important lessons that I have learned with me for the rest of my life. I hope when it comes to applying for this internship, I think you will be thankful too and going to places like Adilabad and Vizag and so this opportunity would be good for you. 

Blog Written By: Sathvik Sanka