Finding Their Voice: Hannah and Izzy’s Journey to Empowerment Through Internship

In today’s world, young people face mounting pressures—from academics to social expectations—and often find themselves struggling to navigate a path toward their futures. Many students express frustration with a system that doesn’t always provide clear guidance, leaving them to figure out their next steps on their own. But for Hannah and Izzy, two interns at Boss Babe Networking (BBN), taking the leap into an internship was a step toward personal growth, career exploration, and community. Their stories shed light on the challenges young people face in education, mental health, and the importance of creating opportunities that truly support them.

Photo: Galentine’s for Teens at Everyday Girl Adventures

Taking the First Step: Why an Internship?

For Hannah, the decision to seek out an internship was driven by her passion for business and marketing.

“I knew that I needed to get an internship to break into the industry I want to work in,” she shared. “I wanted an opportunity to gain experience and figure out how interested I really was in marketing. When I came across BBN, it felt like a much more welcoming environment with a lot going on, which was a perfect fit for my personality.”

Izzy’s motivation, on the other hand, came from a desire to do more.

“I felt like I wasn’t doing enough,” she admitted. “I was in cosmetology school and had a few high school classes that were really easy—I’d get all my work done on Monday and have nothing else to do. Then I saw an email about internship opportunities and, honestly, I stopped scrolling when I saw pink.”

That moment of curiosity led Izzy to BBN, where she found a space that encouraged her to grow.

The Barriers to Opportunity in Education

Both Hannah and Izzy come from the same school district, and while they’ve managed to find valuable opportunities, they also recognize the barriers that keep many students from doing the same.

“There isn’t anyone in place to support students in actually finding opportunities or going through the process of interviewing at our schools and that makes it difficult for students who don’t know where to start,”  Hannah explained. 

The lack of support isn’t just frustrating—it has a direct impact on students’ mental health. Young people are often left feeling unheard, which can contribute to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

What Schools Don’t Teach: Networking and Life Skills

Since joining BBN, both Hannah and Izzy have gained more than just work experience. They’ve learned practical skills—how to use digital tools, how to communicate professionally—but they’ve also realized how much schools fail to teach.

“I’ve learned how important it is to surround yourself with the right people and find a group that aligns with your goals,” Izzy said. “That’s not something we’re taught in school. Students are typically not taught how to network or connect with professionals. 

Hannah agreed, emphasizing how many young people lack basic digital literacy.

“People aren’t being taught how to do something as simple as using hyperlinks in mass emails or working with spreadsheets. These are necessary skills in the digital age, yet they aren’t standard practice in schools.”

Creating a Space for Young People to Thrive

One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation was the need for more third spaces—places where young people can connect outside of school and home.

“We socialize mostly through digital spaces, but that comes with so much baggage,” Hannah said. “There’s nowhere for students to go that’s free, accessible, and welcoming. That’s what makes spaces like BBN so valuable.”

Both interns also recognized the impact of social media on mental health.

“If all you do is school and home, and then you see other people going to events and hanging out with friends, you start to feel like you don’t belong,” Izzy shared. “It makes you wonder—why am I not included? What’s wrong with me?”

For many young people, that feeling of exclusion can reinforce negative self-perceptions and deepen struggles with self-worth. That’s why spaces that foster community and belonging—without financial or social barriers—are so essential.

Encouraging Young People to Take the Leap

Despite the challenges they’ve faced, Hannah and Izzy encourage other young people to step outside their comfort zones and seek out opportunities.

“You never know what amazing opportunities could be out there,” Izzy advised. “You should always try, even if it’s scary. Worst-case scenario? You don’t like it, and you move on. But you never know unless you try.”

Hannah added, “You don’t get over the fear—you just have to do it anyway. We’ve been told for years that we don’t have a seat at the table. Then suddenly, we’re expected to figure everything out on our own. It’s terrifying, but the worst that can happen is you send an email and don’t get a response. And if they say yes? Now you have your foot in the door.”

Empowering the Next Generation

The conversation with Hannah and Izzy was a powerful reminder that young people are full of ideas, talent, and ambition—but they need support. They need spaces where their voices are heard, where they feel valued, and where they can access the resources they need to succeed.

At BBN, creating those spaces is a priority. And if more businesses, schools, and organizations step up to do the same, we can create a future where no young person feels unheard, unimportant, or left behind.

To all young people out there: Your voice matters. Your dreams matter. And you deserve a seat at the table.