» Student Profile: Patricia Washington

In the coming weeks, we will be featuring profiles of student employees and interns. This post is written by Patricia Washington, a Junior and accounting major at the College of Charleston

Since my freshman year, I have been working at the Avery Research Center and it has been a very welcoming and enlightening experience for me. Each year I realize just how grateful I am to be surrounded by educators, activists, leaders, and people who genuinely care about my well-being and success. When I started working here, I had no idea what to expect and what I found was a true sense of belonging and community. Not only is Avery a safe space, but it is also a haven where I have found understanding, mentorship, and a supportive atmosphere where my voice is truly valued. There is an undeniable charm to the Avery that sets it apart from anywhere else. I am deeply thankful to the staff for believing in me and granting me the freedom to be creative and authentically myself. Knowing that I have the unwavering support of my supervisors and peers makes coming to work each day a joy. 

As the team leader of all the undergraduate assistants at the Avery Research Center, I oversee our daily operations, delegate tasks, and provide ongoing support and mentorship to our team members. My responsibilities also include training new undergraduate assistants, familiarizing them with the center’s archival procedures, and guiding them in conducting research. I also handle various administrative tasks such as submitting check requests, scheduling tours, assisting researchers, answering phones, responding to email inquiries, and scanning and digitizing documents in the archive. I help organize and support special events the Center hosts, including lectures, workshops, and community outreach programs. I take pride in our collaborative efforts to develop exhibits that educate and inspire visitors. Whether crafting exhibit labels or assisting with installation, every detail creates a meaningful experience for those who walk through our doors. Together, we ensure that the Avery Research Center operates seamlessly, fulfilling its mission of preserving and promoting African American history and culture while actively engaging with the community.