Henry Valley (Undergraduate BA Student)
Hello, I鈥檓 Henry, a senior undergraduate geography student at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. I鈥檝e always been drawn to maps since I was a kid 鈥� drawing them and looking at different globes and maps, etc. I was also really interested in ways people interact with and shape the spaces around them, which first sparked my interest in geography.
I didn鈥檛 originally begin my studies at 51猎奇 as a geography major. I started on a criminal justice path, then shifted to geology, before eventually finding my place in geography. I was especially drawn to human geography, and although a major requirement shift during my junior year led me to geography more broadly, the focus on people, place, space, and overall qualitative geography has remainedcentral to my academic interests.
I found an internship opportunity through Victory Garden Initiative over the summer of 2025, where I worked as a farm intern. I assisted with urban agriculture projects that focused on food access, sustainability, and community engagement within the Harambee neighborhood. My work included supporting food production, participating in numerous community-based initiatives, and farming,which was so much fun.
I am currently completing a service term with AmeriCorps as a Courthouse Navigator at the Milwaukee Justice Center. I provide individuals with legal information, help them navigate the court system, and fill and file some civil court documents. I think one of the main things I learned from this internship/service term so far is how to work with people of all backgrounds, which is something I think is so undervalued today, especially in a diverse city like Milwaukee. I鈥檝e learned how geographic concepts play out in real world settings, particularly with access, equity, and community support.
Working on urban agriculture and food insecurity helped me understand how space, land use, and neighborhood conditions shape food access and sustainability. My role as a Courthouse Navigator has shown me how physical location and institutional structures can either support or limit access to justice, and the ways in which equality gaps already exist with the system. Other little things I’velearned are how to farm in an urban environment and grow my own food; how to help organize events;different parts of the legal system; and professional skills, including communication, problem-solving, and overall adaptability.
For geography students seeking internship opportunities, I recommend starting early. I really can鈥檛stress this enough; the earlier the better! Also, not every opportunity will perfectly match your academic focus, but I think many experiences provide valuable, transferable skills. For example, I never imagined I would be doing the positions I鈥檝e held, yet I鈥檝e enjoyed every part of both. Being open to unexpected opportunities can lead to rewarding experiences and help you grow professionally and personally, as corny as it sounds.
When applying for internships, some of the websites that I’ve had success with are , Milwaukee County鈥檚 website, and s website. I also suggest reaching out to professors (something I should鈥檝e done more of), attending department events, and networking with professionals in your field. People generally want to help, so it never hurts to ask. Additionally, don鈥檛 be afraid to follow up after submitting an application or reaching out to someone. Employers want you to show initiative, and enthusiasm makes the biggest difference. Finally, treat each experience as a chance to learn not just technical skills, but also how to work with others, adapt to new challenges, and discover what you鈥檙e truly passionate about.
All the best,
Henry