Eastern Student Mariana Serrano of Waterbury Focuses on Successful Internship with Planned Parenthood

2017 Dec 5

Eastern Connecticut State University student Mariana Serrano '18 of Waterbury is currently engaged in a successful internship as a Generation Action intern for Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut. Serrano's major is Health Sciences.

Planned Parenthood Generation Action is a network of young organizers and activists who advocate and organize social justice programs and other events on their respective campuses and in surrounding communities in order to mobilize advocates for reproductive freedom. They also assist in raising public awareness about reproductive health and rights and educate young people about sexual health, social justice and stigmas.

Interns also attend monthly meetings to participate in training about advocacy, organizational efforts and gaining support in order to assist in facilitating programs at their own institutions.

"I love that I am a part of the movement to advocate for social justice. I am an advocate for many topics including those related to intersexuality, colorism, internalized stigmas, multiracial minorities, women's health care, and many others. I fell in love with making a difference through education. I want to be a part of the effort to educate and inspire individuals about social justice and equality," said Serrano.

Serrano is also an assistant programmer at Eastern's Arthur L. Johnson Unity Wing where she assists in organizing and facilitating social justice programs. "My training focus is on topics such as micro-aggressions, intersexuality and internalized stigmas, among others. I facilitate workshops using stories as a tool for change," added Serrano.

Serrano plans to attend medical school to obtain a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree. She is interested in becoming an obstetrician/gynecologist or neonatologist and advocate for diverse sex development health issues.

"I have a genuine level of education in socialism and ethnic disparities - I want to be part of the movement to make a change. I will continue to be inspired to uplift barriers and strive for my endeavors. When I say 'I will be a multiracial woman with an M.D./Ph.D.,' I say it with confidence and pride."

She believes internships are important for students in order for them to develop and grow as students and into an individual. "Through internships you can gain knowledge, accumulate evidence in terms of your own abilities, make critical professional contacts, develop your own professional skill sets, and most importantly, improve your confidence."