I remember thinking I wouldn’t get in. When I applied for the role as an editorial intern at the Sigma Tau Delta Journals, it felt so random, so spontaneous, in the middle of an ordinary day; I was sitting in my university’s dining hall, assembling my resume, sorting through my tenth cover letter, and preparing myself for another rejection. I’ll admit now that I didn’t have much confidence, certainly not enough to boost any morale I could’ve spared for the next week, when I received an email asking for an interview. There’s a feeling of confusion that hits you first when you get something like that. I couldn’t believe it, but viewing it all in retrospect, I know I should have. Because it was me who applied, and it would be me—only myself—who would later pull myself through another great experience.
For the first month of the internship, we spent the majority of our time reading submissions. I’ve had experience in the past of sorting through a plethora of stories, fiction and poetry, basically taking all the storage from my computer. I think it’s important to acknowledge how, although I worked alone the first month, I did not feel isolated. Managing Editor Dr. Carie King and the two other superstar interns, Adrianna Bailey and Starla Parker, were extremely supporting, offering engaging conversations over our virtual meetings. I remember thinking: yes, of course, reading is an independent activity, but it’s the stories that bring us together.
After the second month, when the submissions were getting their second round of review, another random and spontaneous decision was made. My sister had an entire month off work in July, and suddenly, our plans to go back to Japan moved up several months in advance. We deemed this trip a transformative and necessary travel, as well as a bonus gift for my graduating college. Thus began my month-long trip to Japan, work stuffed in my carry-on luggage, ready for work.
However, there was one big problem: my computer charger was not compatible with the outlets in Japan. Therefore, I resorted to working mainly on my phone. This decision allowed me to work anywhere. To name a few places, I edited in airports, on the airplane, at multiple hotels, during breaks of walking through one-hundred-degree weather, in the long queues at Universal Studio and Disney Sea, and while I sat through five shinkansen rides. For the virtual meetings, because of the time difference, I had to attend at midnight, either in the hotel bathroom (my sister was sleeping) or outside on a bench. My friends asked me if I hated working during vacation and if it ever took away from the experience of traveling to a different country. I argued that it was a different type of traveling. I loved reading and editing different types of stories, from short fiction to long academic essays. I loved scrolling through the poems, softening myself to the lyricism of words that reminded me of home, a different one from the Japan that my family grew up in. In a sense, this experience was two halves of me finally colliding—or rather, melting together, softly, perfectly aligned.
I am so grateful for this opportunity, truly, truly, truly, and I believe this experience is important for every student to have: to work remotely and with flexibility. This sentiment can oftentimes be a platitude, I’m sure, but this is a scary endeavor that is worth so much in the end. I encourage everyone to apply and to put yourself out there. Advocating for your position in a company is big. I’m no stranger to that idea. I will continue to seek roles that will allow me to explore stories and to hopefully create some of my own someday.
The 2026 Sigma Tau Delta Journals, highlighting Hana’s hard work, will be available soon. In the meantime, claim your copy of the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Centennial Journals to check out the most recently published journals!
Hana Ishige
Sigma Tau Delta Journal Internship Recipient, 2025
Alpha Theta Alpha Chapter
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Sigma Tau Delta Journal Internship
A three-month internship opportunity is available with the Sigma Tau Delta Journals. This opportunity will provide as many as three Sigma Tau Delta student members (undergraduate or graduate) with editorial and publication experience. These interns will work with the Managing Editor from May 15 to August 15, averaging 10 hours per week. Internships are remote and therefore require reliable internet access. Each intern will be paid $600 per month.
Interns may not submit for publication in the journals on which they are working.
Under the Managing Editor’s direction interns:
- Read and evaluate submissions
- Edit accepted submissions for publication
- Communicate regularly via email and/or video conference with the Managing Editor
Interns should have:
- Excellent written communication skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Strong work ethic
- Editorial experience
- Computer literacy
Eligibility
Applicants must be active student members of a Sigma Tau Delta chapter at the time of application and should be familiar with the most recent issues of the Sigma Tau Delta journals.
How to Apply
Interested members must apply for the Sigma Tau Delta Journal Internship through the AwardSpring Application during the Winter Awards Cycle. Applications open January 12 – February 2, 2026, at 4 p.m. CT.
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
- Serve society by fostering literacy.
With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.
Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.
