Reflection on My First Three Days as a High School Intern at Bear Better

Bear Better

Bear Better is a socially responsible company in South Korea that prides itself on providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. With over 280 employees with various disabilities working across different departments, including the pastry section, Bear Better sets an example of an inclusive workplace where everyone contributes equally to the company's mission. The pastry department is where I interned at. 

Why I applied to Bear Better

I was deeply inspired by the CEO of Bear Better's story, which I came across in a YouTube video. The CEO had previously held a high-ranking position at Naver, South Korea's leading IT company. However, after several years in that role, they came to realize the true value of money: using it to help those in need. As mentioned in the video, the video humorously states that their ultimate goal is "to close the company." This reflects their deeper mission of helping individuals with disabilities recover and thrive to the point where such a company would no longer be necessary.

Day 1~3

On my first day, I walked into Bear Better with a lot of nerves. This wasn’t just my first time interning as a high schooler—it was my first time working in an environment with a large number of employees with disabilities. I wasn’t sure how to approach my new colleagues, and I worried about whether I would unintentionally say or do something wrong. These anxieties weighed on me as I entered the pastry department, where over 280 employees with disabilities were working. The sheer scale of the team added to my nervousness.

As part of my introduction, my supervisor used a PowerPoint presentation to educate me about understanding and working alongside disabled employees. He taught me what to be careful for like actions and statements and what I can do.

The second day. I entered the pastry department. I felt like I was slightly out of place. Many of the employees were polite but seemed to keep their distance. They were mostly focused on their work, and I noticed that no one actively engaged me in conversation. The background music that the supervisor played was one of the few things that made the work more enjoyable and motivating. Yet, I was still an outsider.