For many college students, internships are viewed as a stepping stone to gain experience and prepare for a future career. Sometimes, however, an internship can become something more. It becomes an opportunity to discover the kind of work, culture, and impact you want to be part of long after graduation.
In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation interns Emma Wade and Olivia Smith share their experiences working behind the scenes in digital storytelling for pediatric cancer. To show how those experiences shaped their perspectives on both their careers and themselves.
Watch Emma and Olivia’s episode here:
The Internship That Made Me Rethink My Career | Emma Wade and Olivia Smith | 50
Finding Purpose Through Experience
Both Emma and Olivia first connect with CKc through the University of Central Florida’s Intern Pursuit event. As they were exploring opportunities they quickly realized they were looking for more than professional experience. They wanted work that aligned with their values and allowed them to make a meaningful impact. That desire led them to CKc, where they stepped into roles focused on social media, content creation and storytelling in support of pediatric cancer research and advocacy. Throughout the internship, they gained hands-on experience while contributing to a mission larger than themselves.
Learning the Power of Storytelling
Throughout the semester, Emma and Olivia helped create social media content, write blog posts, produce reels and support podcast promotion. Beyond the technical skills they developed, they learned the power of storytelling. Sharing patient and family stories requires care, empathy and respect. Every post represents real people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Their experience highlighted an important truth about nonprofit communications. Effective storytelling isn’t simply about sharing information, it’s about helping audiences connect to a mission in meaningful ways.
Seeing Impact Come to Life
One of the most memorable moments of the internship came from CKc’s 2026 Gold Gala. After spending months creating content, promoting events and communicating the importance of childhood cancer research, the interns had the opportunity to witness the impact firsthand. For Emma and Olivia, the event transformed abstract concepts like fundraising and education into something tangible. The stories they’d written about, researchers they’d highlighted and the mission they had helped communicate all came together in one room. It was a powerful reminder that every piece of content contributes to something much larger.
The Importance of Workplace Culture
Working in the pediatric cancer space means regularly engaging with difficult stories and complex realities. Throughout the semester, they saw firsthand how supportive leadership and attention to mental well-being can help teams continue doing meaningful work sustainably. This experience shaped not only how they viewed their future careers, but also the kind of workplace culture they hoped to be part of moving forward. It reinforced the importance of working in environments where people feel supported and empowered to do their best work.
Advice for Future Interns
When asked what advice they would give to other students looking for internships or opportunities to get involved they both shared a similar message. Don’t let discomfort stop you from growing. Many of the experiences that shaped them begin with uncertainty. Whether it’s applying for an internship, attending a networking event, or stepping into a new role, growth often happens outside of our comfort zones. So get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Why this Conversation Matters
The fight against childhood cancer requires more than groundbreak research, it also depends on the people who help tell the stories, raise awareness and inspire action. This conversation highlights how young professionals can use their skills to make a meaningful impact. By investing in the next generation of advocates, communicators and leaders, we help build a stronger future for children facing cancer and the research that gives them hope.
Because the fight against childhood cancer needs not just scientific innovation but it needs people willing to tell the stories, inspire action and carry the mission forward.
If you’re inspired by Emma and Olivia’s experience and want to support our mission, visit cannonballkidscancer.org to learn more, donate or get involved.
Know a survivor or advocate whose story needs to be shared? Email us at info@cannonballkidscancer.org to nominate a guest!
