Paige Hill is CJI’s 2023 summer intern. Photo: Submitted
Paige Hill, an incoming first-year undergraduate student at York University, recently joined Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) as a summer intern.
A recent graduate of All Saints High School in Whitby, Ont., Hill is familiar with the work of CJI, having previously volunteered in some of its events, including the “Waiting to Exhale: Ecological Justice for the Earth’s Lungs” webinar and the Youth for Others advocacy symposium.
CJI’s mission to love and serve by working with people struggling for social justice made her “extremely passionate towards taking a part in (CJI’s) work,” said Hill.
While in high school, Hill was a member of social justice-based groups for mental health, gender equality, and racial equity. She participated in student council, student senate, peer tutoring, peer mediation, and a leadership program.
“Being a member of so many different groups allowed me to build connections with others across a variety of communities, develop my leadership skills, and make a positive difference in my school,” said Hill. “It also taught me about the experiences and struggles of others around the globe, which motivated me to continue my work in advocacy.”
Asked what she hopes to take away from her internship, Hill said, “I hope to develop my writing and communication abilities, understand how non-profit organizations function, and see the effects of the work I am doing.”
During her eight-week internship, Hill will assist CJI Outreach Coordinator Pieter Niemeyer in developing materials that will be used by participating schools for CJI’s Fall Campaign, which will focus on girls’ education. “I hope to make a difference in the lives and learning of youth who are taking part in the campaign,” said Hill.
“Many Canadian young people care about matters of justice in our world and CJI seeks to connect that passion with the work of our partners in the Global South,” said Niemeyer, explaining the importance of the internship to CJI’s work. “We seek to raise awareness and connect young people to the work of advocacy and justice- to nurture a faith that does justice.”
Hill said she is excited to share the leadership skills she has acquired through her involvement in her high school extracurricular activities. “These experiences have allowed me to develop leadership skills, such as public speaking, organization, decision-making abilities, and creativity, and I hope to be able to put these skills to use in my position.”
Outside of school, Hill pursues one of her favourite hobbies: dance. “I have been dancing since I was three years old, and have done ballet, contemporary, jazz, acro, hip-hop, tap, musical theatre, and lyrical. I love dance because it allows me to express myself and my emotions, and because I love to perform.”
Hill’s internship was made possible with support from the Canadian government’s Summer Jobs Program.
