Trusting the Process: Interning at Ateneo SALT

by Janela Gaw

Learning never stops especially when it comes to the Ateneo SALT Institute. I was a research intern for the institution during this intersession, where I worked on a research project with a group of my fellow interns. We were guided and mentored by Galvin Ngo (Director of SALT) and Eos Trinidad on the project. What makes SALT unique is that they give you the freedom to decide on how the execution of the project will go. Mentors were present to give guidance and feedback based on the progress of each group. Additionally, SALT offered many different projects and opportunities for collaboration. Each week, interns would meet up to update everyone on their progress on their research. Meetings took upon an open forum structure wherein each group would present and receive feedback from anyone.

My time at SALT has been nothing but insightful as I learned many things along the way. As an intern, I learned more about research and its dynamicity. We followed a different writing process compared to the typical flow often practiced in our academic outputs. The writing process began with data gathering and results rather than the introduction and review of related literature. This proved to be a challenge at first as it was difficult to establish a clear direction for the data. Furthermore, the topics of research and multimedia projects intersected as each project informed one another. Each project had similarities in perspectives found from each end of the stakeholders such as the teaching body and students.

There were also many opportunities provided for interaction and skills to interns. Whether it be through talks on coding software, the exchange of feedback, or moderating an event on Zoom. The institution also allowed interns to look into the perspectives of instructors as materials produced are for them to use. As an intern, I also got to know the SALT team as well as what role the institution plays in the evolving academia. Projects gave me an opportunity to not only gain more insights but also form bonds with the people I worked with.

SALT left me with three valuable lessons. The first would be to enjoy the process of writing. Mistakes are normal and they can be fixed later on. It would be best to write it out to open the mind to clear and more ideas. Second, be open to changes regardless of where you are in the process. Research is both dynamic and innovative. You should always allow yourself to be flexible because new ideas may pop up even towards the end. Third, trust the process. Research is a process that is messy and confusing. There’s no perfect way on how to navigate it, so allow yourself to get lost and trust that you’ll arrive at the results.

Being an intern for Ateneo SALT is definitely an experience that I would keep with me until the end. I not only gained learnings and skills but also managed to get to know both the SALT team and my fellow interns as well. My internship experience leaves me with one thing which is that learning never ends. Learning is not limited to research and data but it is also found in the perspectives of the people you work with. In summary, this internship taught me to think outside of the ordinary and to be patient with the process. Each opportunity is another chance to learn so take that leap and pass the salt. Never stop learning, striving for growth, and most importantly, trust the process.

In our internship closing session, we came up with a playlist as a souvenir of our experience. Here’s our PASS THE SALT Playlist.: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2BGlTLg8LVzfzDxoTdGm9Z?si=de72473571564ecb.