At some point in their lives, everyone has been a student. Whether you learned skills from a parent, teacher or mentor – it’s the one factor that connects people across the globe. To effectively change policy and create an environment better than the one we are born into; one must return to the beginning.  

That’s the philosophy of University of Houston (UH) junior Hadi Totonchian, who recently began an internship with the Education Foundation of Harris County (EFHC) as part of the Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) through the Hobby School of Public Affairs.  

“My teachers really influenced me growing up,” Totonchian said. “They meant a lot to my development and beliefs system. I feel like the work we are going to do through the Education Foundation is a great way to give back and make a change in our community.”  

Totonchian will be working closely with the Foundation board of trustees throughout his internship to create a portfolio of resources that will aid in creating ambassadors for EFHC across Harris County. His internship project also includes planning a retreat for the Foundation that centers around the nonprofit’s history, future goals and team-building exercises.   

“He’s so sharp and eager to learn about the education system, so it’s been great having Hadi with us,” said Education Foundation and Community Partnerships Director Trina Silva. “I’m loving the opportunity to provide him with career skills and hit the ground running on some of the ideas we have for outreach and engagement.”  

The three-month-long internship boasts an opportunity to network with #TeamHCDE and local leaders while building community relationships and securing donations for EFHC funded programs, scholarships and grants. 

When Totonchian is not pounding the pavement for EFHC, he is serving as the president of the UH rock climbing club or teaching younger kids how to climb. The political science major plans to attend law school after graduation and eventually get involved in policymaking that impacts the environment, public education and diversity.