Name: Daniela Aguilar

Year: Junior

Major: Communication Studies

Minor: Latino/a Studies

CFS Program: Field Studies in Civic Engagement

Employer:  Chicago Public Schools Communications

My role at the Communications Office of Chicago Public Schools involves working with a team that spearheads the projects aimed at telling the array of stories from thousands of students within the CPS network. In my short time interning with them, I have been involved in the weekly communication team meetings where I’m able to not only hear the insight of some of the amazing projects that my coworkers are working towards, but also have my own voice and pitches for stories heard on the spot. I have also been able to really hone in on my writing skills as I delved into the realm of press releases and media advisories which have been a phenomenal exposure to the public relations sphere that I’m hoping to pursue.

Additionally, I have had the opportunity to sit in on press conferences and education panels that have provided me with a unique perspective on internal CPS initiatives towards improvements for the education systems of Chicago. My supervisor and fellow coworkers have placed a lot of trust in me with projects I have jumped in on and it has been a great experience to try my hand at a verity of different communication outreach projects and be able to follow up directly with the leading media outlets and news publications throughout the city.

My CFS class on Civic Engagement has been one of the most engaging and thought-provoking classes I’ve taken at Northwestern. Centered on Chicago and all of its rich culture and historical turmoil, we engage in discussions of the many sociopolitical topics within the city and on a more macro-national scale as well. One of our weekly topics covered public education and since I personally work in an office of education, the class was able to pull from a variety of perspectives that I would reflect on in my time here. My class has a diverse range of internships and industries so I am always amazed at how we can all find a way to engage with the material and tie it back to the workplace’s environment and social structure. The class has provided me with a unique lens to view the idea of “Civic Engagement” and civic life as Chicago workforce interns.