Creating Change that Makes a Difference

Student Headed to Summer Internship with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

Kanydah Bellamy is headed to her dream internship this summer with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.  A junior biology major interested in political science and health care, she was looking for an internship in Washington, D.C. that matched her strong passion for helping people in need.

With assistance from the university’s Career Center, Bellamy applied for a three-month internship with the Office of Civil Rights Evaluation at the Civil Rights commission. She is one of only two interns selected from across the country.

“I am thrilled to be part of one of the most historically influential organizations in this country,” Bellamy said. “I have a strong desire to help people in need, and through this internship I will be learning how to create change that makes a difference.”

Bellamy’s work as a civil rights analyst will include research, report writing and attending Capitol Hill civil rights briefings and hearings, said Latrice Foshee, intern coordinator of the Office of Civil Rights Evaluation. One research project Bellamy will work on this summer examines the factors of race and sexual orientation in student violence and bullying. And she will meet other college and graduate students interning elsewhere in the Civic Rights commission. “She’ll be very busy and involved,” Foshee said.

That’s just fine with Bellamy, who is accustomed to fitting a lot into a day. A Maryland native, Bellamy transferred to UNC Asheville 16 months ago and immediately became immersed in student organizations and community volunteer work. She joined the Black Student Association and, as community service coordinator, organized a team of students who helped Manna Food Bank distribute food to low-income families. She collaborated with HOLA, Asia, Alliance and other student organizations on a variety of campus events. In April, she was installed at the Black Student Association president and has been selected as an AVID tutor for this coming fall.

Bellamy has high praise for the assistance she received from Tommasanne Davis, a Career Center counselor, in helping her land the summer internship.

“Tommasanne helped me find a perfect internship. She even helped me over spring break, via email, with my cover letter and resumé. Her enthusiasm and encouragement just lifted my spirit,” Bellamy said.

UNC Asheville students find summer internships across the country in areas as wide-ranging as physics and cinema preservation to wellness camps and coastal ecology. “Internships provide students hands-on experience, allow them to use what they’ve learned in the classroom, and the chance to ‘try on’ a career. It helps them build contacts and can lead to full-time employment down the road,” Davis said.  

I have a strong desire to help people in need, and through this internship I will be learning how to create change that makes a difference.” —Kanydah Bellamy ’12