Internship Journey at Thoughts to Action

My Internship Experience with Thoughts to Action

Thoughts to Action is a youth-led social development organisation dedicated to fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) in children. With a vision to create an inclusive and safe environment, the organisation works with young children from government schools in and around Jorhat, Assam, encouraging critical thinking and creative expression.

When I came across Thoughts to Action, I knew it was the perfect fit for my developmental internship program. I had always wanted to work with children and understand how large-scale initiatives like these are documented from an audio-visual perspective. My internship experience was nothing short of enriching, as I had the opportunity to work directly under the guidance of Founder and Director Rahul Bora, as well as Program Manager and Facilitator Purbali Tunghungia. They provided me with the time, resources, and support necessary to conduct and execute my responsibilities effectively.

A Transformative Experience

Interacting with the children and the people involved in Thoughts to Action’s mission was an incredibly rewarding experience. It shifted my perspective on many things, particularly on how crucial social-emotional learning is in shaping young minds. Engaging in SEL activities not only enhances academic performance but also builds confidence, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence. It became evident to me how holistic education plays a vital role in preparing children for the complexities of life.

Through this internship, I developed greater compassion and patience, learned to multitask, and improved my time management skills. Perhaps the most valuable reward was realizing that I could always return as a volunteer, continuing to contribute to this mission. I encourage everyone to take out even a few hours from their schedules to volunteer—it’s remarkable how quickly you grow attached to these children and how meaningful those interactions become.

My Role and Responsibilities

As an intern, my primary tasks included:

• Documenting and capturing the organization's impact by creating a promotional micro-documentary, covering all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production.

• Creating a video vlog to showcase my journey as an intern at Thoughts to Action.

• Teaching children from lower-primary government schools and conducting activities that facilitated social-emotional learning and creativity three times a week (Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday) during my internship.

Working in the Field

During my internship, my assigned partner and I visited around a dozen schools affiliated with the organisation. We directly interacted with school children and faculty through engaging activities designed to foster social-emotional learning. These included storytelling sessions, creative art expression, and collaborative games—all of which complemented their basic academic curriculum. At the same time, I worked on storyboarding, scripting, conducting interviews, and filming content to be used in the micro-documentary.

The connections I built with the children were instantaneous and deeply fulfilling. Seeing their enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy reinforced the importance of creating safe learning spaces where they can express themselves freely and develop essential life skills.

Final Thoughts

This internship was not just an academic requirement; it was a deeply personal journey of learning and growth. It reinforced my belief in the power of education beyond textbooks and highlighted the importance of nurturing emotional and creative intelligence in young minds. Thoughts to Action is doing incredible work in shaping future generations, and I am grateful to have been a small part of this vision.

For anyone considering volunteering or interning, I wholeheartedly recommend joining Thoughts to Action. Whether it’s for a few hours or an extended period, your time and effort will make a difference—not just in the lives of these children but in your own as well.