Interning with AS – My experience as a Bilingual Intern

By Maguin Villasenor

Hello! My name is Maguin Villasenor and I am currently a Junior at St. Edward’s University, double majoring in Communication and Spanish. Interning this semester with Austin Smiles was an experience I’ll never forget, and being able to help them even a little with their mission meant a lot to me.

Throughout my time here, I have been able to help with many different tasks that have included things like assisting Austin Smiles with local international programming with Latin American Countries and communicating and translating for patient families regarding pre-trip and post-trip information.

These tasks have been valuable to pushing the Austin Smiles mission to different countries in Latin America which play a huge part in what makes Austin Smiles what it is. What I love about Austin Smiles is how much care and attention they pay to their patients not only here in Texas, but also in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico. Everything they do is to benefit these children and their families to make sure they receive the free healthcare they deserve.

Offering not only surgical care but also post-surgical allows the children to go through an easy process with a support system that’s there every step of the way. Austin Smiles was a great experience that helped me learn a lot about myself, and even helped me grow, as I was allowed to take charge and become someone that could be relied on. Austin Smiles is something I’ll never forget.

Maguin V., Fall 2023