8.29.25 - The Last Summer Friday: My internship at TASI Bank 

The Last Summer Friday: My internship at TASI Bank  

By Flora Balme, 2025 TASI Bank Summer Intern

As I sit here reflecting before my last summer Friday here at TASI, I find myself reminiscing on what has been an absolutely incredible summer I’ve had in San Francisco. As a senior public policy major at the University of Denver, I never imagined that my summer internship at TASI Bank would become one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. What started as a professional opportunity quickly transformed into an incredible learning adventure filled with meaningful work, skill development, and lifelong friendships. 

Diving into Commercial Banking 

From day one at TASI Bank, I was immersed in the dynamic world of commercial banking. The theoretical knowledge I’d gained in my academic studies suddenly came to life as I witnessed firsthand how financial institutions operate as the backbone of economic growth and community development. Each day brought new challenges and learning opportunities that pushed me to think critically and approach problems with both analytical rigor and creative solutions. 

The hands-on experience I gained in business lending opened my eyes to the intricate process of evaluating credit risk, understanding market dynamics, and most importantly, recognizing the human stories behind every loan application. I learned that banking isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about understanding dreams, ambitions, and the courage it takes for entrepreneurs and business owners to pursue their visions. Whether it was reviewing loan applications for small local businesses or analyzing financial statements for larger commercial clients, each task reinforced the vital role that community banks play in fostering economic opportunity. 

The Art and Science of Financial Analysis 

Perhaps one of the most intellectually stimulating aspects of my internship was delving deep into financial analysis. Working with real client data and market information, I developed a keen appreciation for the meticulous attention to detail required in this field. I learned to read between the lines of financial statements, identify trends and patterns that might not be immediately obvious, and present my findings in ways that could inform crucial business decisions. 

The analytical skills I developed went far beyond technical proficiency with spreadsheets and financial modeling software. I learned to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and consider multiple perspectives when evaluating financial data. This experience taught me that effective financial analysis requires not just mathematical precision, but also intuition, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences. 

Community Banking: More Than Just Business 

What struck me most profoundly during my time at TASI Bank was witnessing the institution’s unwavering commitment to community investment and development. This wasn’t just corporate rhetoric or marketing speak—it was evident in every interaction, every decision, and every initiative I observed. I began to understand that community banks like TASI don’t just serve their local markets; they actively shape and strengthen them. 

I watched as the bank supported local entrepreneurs with not just capital, but also guidance and mentorship. I saw how financial products were tailored to meet the unique needs of community members, from first-time homebuyers to established businesses looking to expand. This experience fundamentally changed my perspective on what banking can and should be—not just a transactional relationship, but a partnership in building stronger, more prosperous communities. 

The emphasis on community impact wasn’t limited to client relationships. TASI Bank’s involvement in local initiatives, charitable causes, and community development projects demonstrated how financial institutions can serve as catalysts for positive change. This holistic approach to banking—one that considers not just profitability but also social responsibility—resonated deeply with my own values and career aspirations. 

Mentorship That Made All the Difference 

No internship experience would be complete without acknowledging the incredible mentors who invested their time, knowledge, and patience in my development. I am profoundly grateful to J. David Joves, whose leadership and vision provided me with invaluable insights into strategic thinking and organizational management. Renee Obispo’s expertise in banking operations and her willingness to share practical knowledge helped me understand the day-to-day realities of the industry in ways that no textbook ever could. 

Shirley N. Quitugua’s guidance in client relations and business development taught me the importance of building authentic relationships in the financial services industry. Jackie Diaz’s mentorship in analytical processes and attention to detail significantly enhanced my technical skills and professional standards. Alan Gaul’s insights into commercial lending practices provided me with a comprehensive understanding of credit analysis and risk assessment. And Viral Shah’s expertise in financial technology and innovation opened my eyes to the evolving landscape of banking and the opportunities that lie ahead. 

Each of these mentors brought unique perspectives and experiences that enriched my learning in different ways. They didn’t just teach me about banking—they taught me about professionalism, integrity, and the importance of continuous learning. Their willingness to share their knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and support my growth made this internship not just educational, but truly transformational. 

The TASI Bank Family 

Beyond the formal mentorship relationships, the entire TASI Bank team welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like a valued member of the organization from day one. The collaborative culture, the willingness of colleagues to share their expertise, and the genuine care that everyone showed for my learning experience created an environment where I could thrive and take meaningful risks in my professional development. 

What impressed me most was how every team member, regardless of their role or seniority level, was willing to take time to explain processes, answer questions, and provide context that helped me understand not just what we were doing, but why we were doing it. This culture of knowledge sharing and mutual support is something I will carry with me throughout my career, and it’s set a high bar for the kind of work environment I hope to be part of in the future. 

Bonds That Last a Lifetime 

While the professional development was invaluable, the relationships I built made this internship truly special. My fellow interns, Kaia and Eileen, became the highlight of my summer. Kaia, who is now back studying finance at the University of Michigan and is preparing for an exciting semester in Copenhagen this spring, brought such energy and enthusiasm to our work. Eileen, preparing for her junior at UC Santa Cruz and currently enjoying some well-deserved downtime thrifting and relaxing, added her own amazing perspective and approach to our daily experiences.

The three of us formed an incredibly close bond, supporting each other through challenging projects and celebrating our successes together. Having peers who understood both the excitement and occasional stress of learning complex financial concepts made every day more enjoyable. We pushed each other to ask better questions, think more critically, and approach problems from different angles. The laughter we shared during lunch breaks, the collaborative spirit during group projects, and the mutual support during more challenging assignments made every day enjoyable and memorable. We learned not just from our supervisors and mentors, but from each other, bringing different perspectives, skills, and experiences that enriched everyone’s learning. 

Special recognition goes to the incredible Eileen Santillano, whose positive energy and infectious enthusiasm made even the most mundane tasks feel like adventures. Her ability to find humor in any situation and her unwavering support for her fellow interns created an atmosphere of joy and mutual encouragement that I will never forget. Whether we were tackling complex analytical projects or navigating the intricacies of bank procedures, Eileen’s presence made everything more enjoyable and meaningful. 

And to the amazing Kaia Weirlangt, whose creativity, insight, and friendship turned every day into something special. Kaia’s unique perspective on problem-solving and her willingness to think outside the box challenged me to approach situations from new angles. Our collaborative projects, brainstorming sessions, and countless conversations about our career aspirations and dreams created memories that I will treasure forever. 

Together, we formed a supportive network that made the challenges less daunting and the successes more meaningful. We celebrated each other’s achievements, learned from each other’s mistakes, and created a bond that I know will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration in our future careers. 

My Favorite Project 

As I look back on this summer, I realize that the lessons I’ve learned extend far beyond technical banking skills. My favorite project was leading the design of a new mousepad for the bank. While it might seem like a small initiative, it allowed me to flex different muscles – creating mood boards, collaborating with designers, and managing a creative project from concept to completion. It reminded me that even in the financial sector, there’s room for creativity and brand building.  

A Foundation for the Future 

This internship has not only deepened my understanding of the banking industry but has also clarified my career aspirations and strengthened my commitment to community-focused work. The experience has shown me that it’s possible to build a successful career while also making a positive difference in people’s lives and communities. 

The skills I’ve developed—from financial analysis and credit assessment to client relations and project management—will serve as a strong foundation for whatever path my career may take. More importantly, the values I’ve observed and the culture I’ve experienced at TASI Bank have set a standard for the kind of organization I want to be part of and the kind of professional I want to become. 

Looking Forward with Gratitude and Excitement 

As this incredible summer comes to an end, I’m filled with gratitude for everyone who made this experience possible and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. The knowledge I’ve gained, the relationships I’ve built, and the confidence I’ve developed will be invaluable assets as I continue my educational journey and eventual transition into full-time professional life. 

I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned in my continued studies and to seek out opportunities to further develop my skills in community banking and financial services. The experience has confirmed that my passion lies in work that combines analytical rigor with community impact, and I’m eager to continue building expertise in this area. 

To everyone at TASI Bank who made this summer so special—thank you for believing in me, investing in my development, and showing me what it means to build a career with purpose. This experience has not just prepared me for my future career; it has inspired me to pursue work that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others and the strength of our communities. 

This internship at TASI Bank exceeded every expectation I had when I first walked through their doors. The combination of meaningful work, supportive mentorship, technical skill development, and amazing friendships created an environment where learning felt effortless and excitement was contagious.

To future interns considering similar opportunities: embrace every project, no matter how small it might seem. Ask questions constantly. Build relationships with your colleagues and fellow interns. And most importantly, stay curious about how all the pieces of the financial world fit together.

As I head into my final year at the University of Denver, I carry with me not just new technical skills and industry knowledge, but also confidence in my ability to adapt, learn, and contribute meaningfully in professional environments. And of course, I have two incredible friends who made this summer absolutely unforgettable.

Here’s to TASI Bank for creating such a supportive learning environment, and to Kaia and Eileen for making every single day a blast. This is one internship experience I’ll treasure for years to come.

As I move forward, I carry with me not just new skills and knowledge, but a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about the impact I can have in the financial services industry. This summer at TASI Bank wasn’t just an internship—it was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to community-focused banking and the pursuit of work that truly matters. 

The memories, lessons, and relationships from this summer will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to the day when I can pay forward the investment that TASI Bank made in me by mentoring future interns and contributing to the continued success of community banking.