Before starting my internship at Sharsheret, I didn’t fully grasp what it meant to be truly dedicated to your work. As someone who often procrastinates and dreads the concept of “work,” I didn’t realize that people can not only enjoy their jobs but also find deep meaning in them, going above and beyond to excel.

Growing up, I had some understanding of Sharsheret from attending a Jewish day school. We celebrated Pink Day, and I knew Sharsheret supported women diagnosed with breast cancer, but that was the extent of my knowledge. It wasn’t until my sister-in-law began working at Sharsheret that I started to gain more insight into their mission. What struck me most from her accounts was how happy she was—an unusual sentiment when people talk about their jobs.

When I arrived at Sharsheret, I understood the source of that happiness. My sister-in-law was surrounded by colleagues who shared her enthusiasm. Everyone in the office was eager to explain their roles and answer any questions I had. From the beginning of the internship, I always had meaningful tasks and never felt like a stereotypical intern. My fellow interns and I were immediately integrated into the Sharsheret team, and I quickly grew passionate about the work I was doing. It wasn’t just the tasks that captivated me; it was discovering that working for a cause you believe in can bring true fulfillment.

Sharsheret’s internship program stands out for its inclusiveness, giving interns a genuine sense of being part of the team. Working closely with so many members of the Sharsheret team revealed how much each of them loved their jobs and how each had something unique and important to contribute. Whether it’s consoling callers who’ve received difficult news, guiding them through treatment steps, providing genetic counseling, sending out kits to cancer patients or their children, connecting them with peer supporters, instituting the YAD program, which connects young adults who are facing the impacts of cancer on a loved one, or organizing Facebook support groups—every member of the Sharsheret team dedicates their strengths to something vital.

After spending the summer with such dedicated and caring people, I realized that work becomes easy and enjoyable when you value its inherent meaning. As the days passed, I wanted more work because I genuinely understood its importance. I realized why everyone at Sharsheret so willingly goes the extra mile: they truly believe in what they do.

The summer internship culminated in Sharsheret’s benefit events. Attending one of these events was a unique privilege that allowed me to see the tangible impact of the Sharsheret team’s work. While I had spent the summer learning about Sharsheret’s

day-to-day operations, seeing the outcome of their efforts in real-time was incredibly moving. Every time I attended a new meeting over the summer, I thought, “Wow, they really think of everything,” and it became clear how all those details profoundly change lives.

My time at Sharsheret has sparked a desire within me to seek out opportunities where my work aligns with my values and where I can make a tangible difference. I am excited to bring this perspective into my future, inspired by the incredible example set by the Sharsheret team. The impact of this summer will undoubtedly resonate with me for years to come, guiding me as I strive to find and contribute to work that I truly believe in.