Written by Chandler Flowers, Communication Services junior associate.
Samma A., a 2025 graduate from Emmett J. Conrad High School, is a scholar who dreams of changing the world. But every dream starts somewhere, and for her, it started during her time interning at Dallas ISD.
When she enrolled at Conrad, she was a dual credit H-TECH student in the Allied Health Pathway. However, her interests changed over time.
“Through various experiences and exposure to global issues, I’ve developed a strong interest in international relations and entrepreneurship,” she said. “I’m now excited to pursue opportunities that combine global impact with innovative business solutions.”
If Samma could describe her internship experience in one word, it would be engaging.
“Every day brought something new, from budgeting exercises to design projects, that kept me actively involved and learning,” she said.
For Samma, one of the highlights was the weekly ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions that connected interns with mentors and entrepreneurs.
“These conversations allowed us to ask meaningful questions and gain real-world insight, making the experience both dynamic and impactful,” she said.
Throughout her internship, Samma not only developed her knowledge and professional skills, but she also learned what it meant to lead.
“Leadership is much deeper than simply giving instructions or holding a title. Real leadership is about being accountable, listening to others, and creating space for collaboration,” she said. “I saw how small actions, like checking in with a teammate, asking thoughtful questions, or staying calm under pressure, can have a big impact.”
A time when Samma felt the most proud was at the end of her program, when the department held a goodbye party for the interns. It made her realize how much she contributed to the department during her time there.
“Seeing how the team came together to celebrate our efforts, and hearing their kind words about my work, made everything feel incredibly meaningful,” she said. “It wasn’t just about completing tasks; it was about being part of a team, making an impact, and growing professionally.”
Samma is now headed to the University of Pennsylvania, where she’ll be enrolled in the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business on a full-ride scholarship. She will be majoring in international relations and economics with an emphasis in finance.
Her advice to future Dallas ISD interns is to step outside of their comfort zone and believe in themselves.
“Stay curious. Be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take every task seriously, no matter how small,” she said. “Build relationships with your team and fellow interns because the connections you make can lead to valuable opportunities. The internship is what you make of it, so take initiative, authentically engage, and make it count.”
