Meet intern Klarysa
We recently interviewed Klarysa Melo about her experience as an MSW intern for Disability Empowerment Center this past year. Here’s what she shared:
Where are you currently a student, in what program and when do you graduate?
I'm currently a part-time student at Arizona State University in the Master of Social Work program. I'll be graduating in August 2027, so it's coming up sooner than I expected!
What are you most proud of working on or accomplishing during your time here?
I'm most proud of the relationships I was able to build with consumers and staff, as well as everything I learned from the disability community. Every interaction gave me the opportunity to grow, challenge my perspective and become a better social worker. I'm also proud of stepping outside of my comfort zone by participating in community outreach events and co-facilitating peer groups. Those were things that used to make me nervous, but over time I became much more confident and comfortable.
What are a couple of key things you've learned during your internship that you'll take with you?
I've learned so much during my internship! One of the biggest things I'll take with me is the importance of staying open, listening and learning from the individuals I work with. As someone who doesn't personally identify as having a disability, this experience has helped me better understand the barriers people face and how I can be more accessible and inclusive. This internship has also given me a much deeper understanding of ableism and the ways it can affect people's everyday lives. It has reinforced the importance of advocating for accessibility, challenging barriers and helping create environments where people with disabilities feel genuinely supported, included and empowered.
What's been the most rewarding part of your experience at Disability Empowerment Center?
The most rewarding part of my experience has been getting to know so many amazing people from different backgrounds and learning from each of them. It has been meaningful to build connections with participants, support them as they work toward their goals, and celebrate their progress and accomplishments along the way!
Photo of intern Klarysa (left) and staff member Mandy at a tabling event. They are sitting smiling at the camera with resources and free giveaways in front of them.
Is there anything surprising that you learned or experienced?
Seeing peer support in action at Disability Empowerment Center was something that really stood out to me! It was amazing to see how people with shared lived experiences could encourage, support and empower one another in different ways. It really showed me the value of community and how powerful it can be for someone to feel supported by their peers.
Anything else you want to share?
I am so grateful for my time at Disability Empowerment Center and for all the staff who welcomed, supported and encouraged me throughout my internship! I will truly miss being here, but I'm excited for what's ahead. This experience has been such a meaningful milestone in my social work journey, and I'll carry the lessons and relationships I've built with me throughout my career. Thank you so much!