From Student to Intern: A Full-Circle Journey

As a local student growing up in Hawley and attending Mohawk Trail, Emily Sisum took part in field trips and classroom activities that helped shape her education. What she did not know at the time was that the Mary Lyon Foundation had helped make many of those experiences possible.

Emily’s first visible connection to MLF came later through Key Club, which partners with the Foundation on the school’s Sharing is Caring Closet. Through that experience, she gained a closer look at the organization’s work and the network of people helping support students and families throughout the region.

This summer, that connection came full circle when Emily joined MLF as an intern. The 20-year-old UMass Amherst education student contributed to several areas of the Foundation’s work, including developing a video series about Mary Lyon’s legacy and delivering groceries through its food delivery program, operated in partnership with The Hilltown Churches Food Pantry.

These experiences gave Emily a firsthand look at how organizations across West County collaborate to serve the area.

“I think it’s the best community ever because they’re all working toward the same goal, and it is nice to see them all support each other,” Emily said.

Emily’s time with MLF gave her a new perspective on the place she grew up and the many people working together to make it stronger. MLF is grateful for the energy and care she brought to the Foundation, and we know our region will be fortunate to have Emily guiding its students one day.