Two Coahoma Community College students have earned a unique internship opportunity with Shared Experiences.
Shared Experiences USA is a startup company located in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The organization aims to connect people with one another in the Mississippi Delta.
Amarrian Phillips, a native of Clarksdale, is thankful he learned about the internship
and thinks his involvement will give him the opportunity to gain real-world working
experience. He also is a dual major in athletic training and exercise science.
"Being a part of Shared Experiences has been amazing, and I've learned so much about Clarksdale in a short amount of time. I learned about the blues produced out of Clarksdale, and many buildings downtown hold many historical memories," said Phillips.
Shared Experiences' goal is to curate fun, educational, and meaningful experiences with local non-profits and small businesses, share stories and foster cross-cultural exchange.
"Interning here has allowed me to lead and make decisions based on my thoughts and decision-making. I have a voice here and can take charge when needed," said Phillips. It would be great for other CCC students to intern here because what you feel and think matters. You work based on your skills and whatever you are comfortable with while also strengthening your weaknesses."
Christopher Murphy, a sophomore mathematics major, believes Shared Experiences is
preparing him for the real world. The opportunity is adding to his already immersive
student growth journey. 
"Shared Experiences has certainly been helpful for my future because it is my first job. I had so much to learn, such as how paychecks and w-2 forms work or how it is to have a job in the working world," shared Murphy. "I learned how one business has the potential to connect with multiple businesses."
Murphy encourages other students to get an early start on working because it can help a lot in the long run.
"This program can help CCC students get the footing they need to understand business, even with little to no experience," said Murphy. "This should give students a feeling of accomplishment to know they are setting their futures up for a positive career outcome."
Nicole Moore, assistant director of Student Engagement, said it’s a top priority of CCC to seek and provide opportunities for students to succeed on every level.
"You cannot develop a passion for things if you lack awareness of what is there for you. Community partnerships that provide students with access to career or passion paths are one of our priorities as the Division of Student Engagement because accessibility to resources and opportunities can change the trajectory of our students' lives," said Moore.
She encourages students to gain a sense of community engagement and receive training through a large matrix of work experience.
"Students have the opportunity to transfer skills gained from Coahoma Community College to relevant, hands-on work experiences for them," said Moore. "I hope they become proficient at whatever skills they can practice."
A partnership with Shared Experiences exposes students to different workforce skills, enriches their knowledge of how businesses work, empowers their passion, and utilizes their natural talents.
For more information about Shared Experiences, please visit their website: www.sharedexperiencesusa.com.