Meet McGuckin Interns: Sera Maraka
8-9-2019
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Meet Sera Maraka, a rising senior at Bethlehem University who was an intern this summer in Washington, DC, at Christian Brothers Conference. Sera is majoring in Accounting and minoring in Business Administration. Her summer internship is thanks to the Sir John McGuckin Mentoring and Internship Program. Sera and her fellow McGuckin Interns have just returned to the Holy Land and are enjoying their last few weeks of summer vacation before beginning their senior year at Bethlehem University.
Sera's internship at Christian Brothers Conference was divided into four phases. First, Sera assisted the Lasallian Volunteers staff to prepare for summer programs for their volunteers. Second, she assisted with event planning staff, helping to organize some of their programs. Third, she worked with the Communications Department, honing her design and writing skills. Lastly, she helped with some basic accounting entries, and worked with Human Resources. "This internship gave me a broad experience of not-for-profit work, and helped me learn more about the Lasallian mission. It has given me valuable work experience, and the opportunity to enjoy American culture firsthand. I'm glad to be able to share my experience and knowledge with my classmates and friends back in Bethlehem." Sera is shown with some of the staff of Christian Brothers Conference, enjoying a tasty treat on a hot day.
Sera also was glad to share her story and the story of Bethlehem University with those she met in the United States. Describing her life in the Holy Land, she wittily said, "We are normal people, we don't live in tents or ride camels or have any 'Aladdin' magic carpets to fly on. We might be different, but we are so similar." At Bethlehem University there are differences too, between those students of different faiths, cultures, or backgrounds, but even those differences are outweighed by the students' many similarities. Sera is deeply grateful for her time at Bethlehem University. "The University has played a significant role in my life. It has shaped me and made me see the world in a new way. I am forever grateful and proud to be a student at the University. It doesn't just grow you academically, but personally and professionally. I fell like I am prepared for the future."

To learn more about her experience this summer, please click here to read an article that Sera wrote for the Christian Brothers Conference's Communication Office.
The Sir John McGuckin Mentoring and Internship Program enables top students from Bethlehem University to intern in the United States and abroad. The Sir John McGuckin Mentoring and Internship Program was established in 2010 by the Northwestern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Sera is shown here with all eight 2019 McGuckin Interns.
 
In order to allow this program to continue in perpetuity, the Foundation has established the Sir John McGuckin Mentoring and Internship Program Endowed Fund, thanks to the generosity of the Northwestern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The endowed fund allows the Foundation to annually underwrite a portion of the expenses associated with the Sir John McGuckin Mentoring and Internship Program. Through the generosity of donors like you, the Foundation is creating a long-term and sustainable future for the Sir John McGuckin Mentoring and Internship Program .
About Bethlehem University:
Jointly founded by the Vatican and the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Bethlehem University annually enrolls more than 3,200 students in bachelor, master, and professional diploma programs. A Catholic co-educational institution, the University is the only Catholic/Christian university in the Holy Land. The University's mission is to provide quality higher education to the people of the Holy Land and to serve them in its role as a center for the advancement, sharing, and use of knowledge.

About Bethlehem University Foundation:
The Bethlehem University Foundation is the U.S. registered not-for-profit organization entrusted with the sole mission of supporting and promoting Bethlehem University. The Foundation is a means for United States citizens to make a tax deductible donation in support of Bethlehem University.

To learn more about the Foundation, visit  www.bufusa.org   
or like the Foundation's Facebook page " Bethlehem University Foundation "