This internship strengthened both my personal and professional growth. One of the biggest growths was in communication – not just speaking clearly in public or during presentations, but also learning how to actively listen and share ideas in a group. I improved in my teamwork and collaboration skills while working with others interns in group projects. I also learned and improved on my leadership, through leadership activities and opportunities like planning or leading in garden tours. I’ve learned about managing projects, speaking up with confidence, staying organized in everyday life, and making a positive impact in my community. It has helped me stay motivated and focused on my future. I never used to be confident in myself – I would always doubt myself, leading to always making last minute decisions or missing opportunities. Since joining this internship, it opened up to me all these different opportunities and skills I’ve never thought I would get or have. I feel more confident facing challenges, trying new things, and staying true to what matters to me. It taught me how powerful collaboration can be. Through Circle and self-reflection it helped me grow on a deeper level even if
it was slow. Now I feel even more confident in opening up myself to others.
This internship has deeply changed my connection to both my community and the environment. Working in the garden has taught me how powerful it is to care for the earth and support the people around me just from growing food. All these experiences have shown me how community work and environmental care go hand-in-hand. All these efforts make me inspired to stay involved and make a difference.
This internship has played a big role in what I want to do in the future. I discovered that I am passionate about giving back to the community and improving our lives for a better future. I want to go and pursue a future where I can eventually come back and change the environment for the better.
Something that was memorable to me is just being able to meet all these new people that are making big changes over the world and meeting potentially future environmentalists. But I think the most powerful memory is being able to learn new things, working side by side with my friends, and being able to go on so many fun and engaging field days.
