A little bit about me

Hi everyone! I'm Annabelle Persaud, one of the Communications and Marketing Interns at IFSEL. I am currently a second-year undergraduate student studying Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I’m from Temecula, California, and growing up, I have always had a passion for communicating and connecting with people. I believe incorporating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into my elementary school through high school experience would have positively impacted my social and communication skills.

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Discovering SEL through IFSEL

As an undergraduate student, I try to make the most out of my college experience by applying to various internships, especially marketing internships. I discovered IFSEL’s Marketing Internship on a job listing website and applied to gain practical experience in marketing. Little did I know that this internship would not only improve my marketing skills but also expand my understanding of SEL and its impact.

What is SEL?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is an educational movement seeking to build strong school and classroom communities committed to learning engagement and the well-being of its members. IFSEL's approach to SEL underscores its vital role in human development and fostering positive relationships, emphasizing teacher creativity as crucial for effective implementation. It recognizes the importance of tailoring SEL practices to diverse cultural contexts and highlights its direct and positive impacts on young students.

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The Impact of IFSEL

I have only been at IFSEL for around a month, and I have already seen the impact IFSEL has on bringing awareness to SEL and fostering a community incorporating SEL. When creating graphics and videos for Testimonials, I witness SEL's positive impact on the personal lives of counselors, advisors, teachers, and more. During meetings with my managers, I see how they integrate the principles of SEL into the company's culture, emphasizing regular check-ins and fostering an inclusive work environment filled with creativity and innovation. While participating in school conference calls to take meeting notes, I have seen my managers convey a deeper meaning of care and support to schools. Through these calls, I witness their passion and excitement to collaborate with new and potential schools and recognize their authenticity in genuinely wanting to integrate SEL into the school's curriculum to impact individuals.

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Wishing I had IFSEL while Growing Up 

Learning about the SEL movement and IFSEL's approach to integrating SEL into schools and their communities, I wish that IFSEL had been part of my education from elementary to high school. I believe that with IFSEL’s approach to SEL, I would have developed practical skills in self-management, personal decision-making, and relationship skills. If you have the chance to collaborate with IFSEL or attend any of their events, I wholeheartedly recommend seizing the opportunity. This experience will not only make a significant impact on school leaders but also on teaching the young minds who will shape our future generations. 

Author’s Note 

Thank you for reading my article, your support means so much to me! You can stay connected with me through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelle-persaud-8368451b8/ 

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