UVA Veterans Scholar Serves as Nonprofit Intern

Posse Veterans Scholar Jaime Vidaurre moved with his family to the U.S. from Peru at the age of seven. His experiences as an immigrant and a Navy veteran have given Jaime a global perspective that informs his understanding of giving back.

It was this global view that inspired the University of Virginia (UVA) sophomore to take an internship with TwoGenerationsInc.org, a small non-profit founded by Colombian immigrants that serves residents of a small village in Guamal, Colombia. When a friend told him about the internship, Jaime jumped at the opportunity.

Drawing on his own experiences and skills, Jaime helped the organization develop their website and, along with another Posse Veterans Scholar, Ashley Vanegas, helped develop a strategic plan for community engagement and organizational development.

Jaime is majoring in medical anthropology and thinking about a career in medicine. He will be returning this summer for another internship with TwoGenerationsInc.org. before graduating in the fall.

“I’m so grateful to Posse and UVA for giving me the opportunity to volunteer, receive an outstanding education, and be part of the Posse and Veterans communities on grounds,” says Jaime.

Posse Veterans Program Director Adam Lessuck explained “Jaime was able to accept an unpaid internship with a small non-profit because of Posse’s PSLA program, which helps subsidize Posse Scholars in specific opportunities that otherwise would be difficult, if not impossible, for them to participate in. Jaime saw a need that could be filled, and he immediately got to work filling it. That is what Posse is all about.”