Summer 2025 Furman Intern: Evelina Aluimos

Evelina harvesting produce in the garden.

This summer, we’ve had the joy of welcoming Evelina Aluimos, a Furman University Summer Fellow, to our team through the Gardening for Good program. With a passion for sustainability and community care, Evelina has spent the season learning the ins and outs of our garden while also jumping in to support across programs — from the soup kitchen to our bakery. Her thoughtful reflections and hands-on work embody the spirit of Project Host: using every resource to nourish both people and place. We’re so grateful for the energy, curiosity, and heart she’s brought to our work this summer.

Tell us your name, year at Furman, and your major or minor. Why did you choose this field of study?

My name is Evelina Aluimos. I am a rising junior at Furman University, and my double majors are Politics & International Affairs, as well as Urban Studies. The reason why I chose this field of study is because I am very passionate about how cities are developed and the role that the development of the city plays in the mental and physical health of individuals. Sustainability is a significant part of that as well.

What drew you to apply for the Shi Institute internship and ultimately to intern at Project Host?

I wanted to go out of my comfort zone! I have never had the opportunity to participate in an internship, and this was a perfect opportunity, as the Shi Institute specifically focuses on internships related to sustainability. The Project Host internship stood out to me the most due to its flexibility, and I was not only able to learn about the garden, but also the soup kitchen and the inner workings of a nonprofit.

What has a typical day looked like for you this summer at Project Host?

A typical day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starts for me in the garden. Checking precipitation levels, harvesting, taking out the weeds, and the general upkeep of the garden. Tuesday and Thursday, on the other hand, I get to start my day off in the soup kitchen and interact with volunteers and the community. After I am done with both, I get to help out the Project Host team on any tasks that they need an extra hand with, while also keeping track of the digital spreadsheet of the garden’s produce.

What’s one project or experience you’ve been most excited to work on during your internship?

One experience that I’ve been most excited to work on during my internship is the hydroponics garden system, which refers to a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions. Planting both lettuce and basil, this project felt especially fun, seeing so much progress in such a short amount of time, and experimenting with different nutrients and pH levels to keep the seeds happy and growing.

How has your time at Project Host helped you grow or challenged you in new ways?

My time at Project Host definitely challenged me in physical ways, but in a good way! As someone who is not used to working in the garden, managing the garden’s upkeep has improved my knowledge of native South Carolina plants and the nutritional value of food, which I feel is incredibly important to know when transferring that produce to the soup kitchen and making sure that the meals are both nutritional and tasty.

Evelina working on the hydroponics system in the greenhouse.

What is something you’ve learned about yourself through this internship experience?

My experience definitely solidified the fact that my career has to be focused on bettering the community. Even on the days when you feel tired, reminding yourself that you are creating a welcoming and safe environment by doing your part instantly boosts your energy.

What’s one thing you’ve learned about food insecurity or nonprofit work that surprised you?

One thing that surprised me about food insecurity is the number of people who are considered food insecure in Greenville, which has now surpassed 60,000. Nonprofit organizations like Project Host are stepping in to do everything in their power to alleviate this struggle, which I am extremely grateful to be a part of.

How do you think this experience will shape your goals after graduation?

I think that interning at Project Host awakened my love for the nonprofit work environment. After graduation, I would love to start working at a nonprofit myself.

Outside of your internship, how have you been enjoying Greenville this summer? Any favorite spots?

I am staying at Furman University over this summer, so the evening walks have been amazing. Being able to stay that close to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and being able to bike early in the morning to the Swamp Rabbit Cafe has been so much fun. Additionally, every Saturday, I get to play pickleball with some of my friends who either live nearby or are also staying in Greenville over the summer.

If you had to describe your Project Host internship in three words, what would they be and why?

Engaging, connective, and flexible. Engaging because I get to participate not only in my assigned tasks, but also attend board meetings and events put on by Project Host. Connective, because I get to interact with both the volunteers and the Greenville community. And lastly, flexible, because I am able to be included in different experiences without a rigid routine. My Project Host internship has undeniably been a breath of fresh air.