Scarlet Service Stories: Treyvon Watson
Treyvon Watson, Newark Emergency Services For Families
Growing up in Paterson, Rutgers-Newark’s Treyvon Watson remembers when his family at times depended on assistance from nonprofits to make rent or keep food on the table.
As a Scarlet Service intern this summer with the non-profit Newark Emergency Services For Families, the rising junior said returning the favor for others in need feels like a full-circle moment.
“My mom was taking care of four boys on her own. Sometimes we did need the extra help, and programs like the one I’m working for came through for my mom when we needed it,” said Watson, 20. “I’m helping people from where I’m from, Paterson or Newark. I’ve experienced not having a home, so that drew me toward this, because I can feel where they’re coming from and have empathy for people who come in.”
As an emergency assistance intern in the nonprofit’s Social Work Office, he connects clients daily with everything from housing, food, showers and laundry facility to mental health services and case workers. The Honors Living and Learning Community student is studying biology in the hopes of pursuing a medical degree, and said he believes this experience will make him a better doctor down the road.
“Working there I am using my people skills. I have to talk to people in distress, people going through things that can be uncomfortable,” Watson said. “I want to get used to doing that because as a doctor you need to do that. Working here and getting this experience is helping me outside the physical health aspect to get to know my patients by getting to know these people and meet their needs.”
Without the stipend provided by Scarlet Service, Watson’s first internship may not have been possible. During the school year, he works around his rigorous course schedule as a part-time security guard, sometimes staffing Rutgers football games. Though he is receiving financial aid to cover his tuition, Watson typically works full-time in the summer to cover his living expenses for the year.
“It takes a load off me so I can work less and focus on my classes and internship more,” said Watson, who learned of Scarlet Service through a friend who also applied. “I really like the company I work with. On the first day they made me feel welcome, showed me around and educated me about the program and what it does. It’s not like a corporate work environment. It’s more like a family environment.”
– Lisa Intrabartola