The thing that struck me the most coming into this work place is the feeling of welcoming. The staff is very professional and you can tell that they are dedicated to their work but it's not a space where you feel suffocated. On my first day we had a wonderful orientation with breakfast a juice where me and my peers got to meet some of the staff we would be working with along with their expectations of themselves and us. They are very big on communication which I think is key to a healthy flowing work environment. They are open to questions, conversations, critique, and overall seemed very understanding of how a high schooler might feel working here. My colleagues are so kind, welcoming, and giving. You can also really tell my mentor is very dedicated to her work and efficient. What struck me most about the job I am doing is how quick it's going. When I was told what my project would be I knew I could handle it but I was also stressed about finding all the right information in the right time. Now, I've only been here one day and I'm pretty much out of work to do until a couple more things are set up. I know exactly how to set up and do my project already. Something I'm looking forward to in my internship is seeing actual events take place in the spaces I will be helping out with. My mentor said that I could come to see what she does and I'm very excited to see what kind of responsible she has during an event and also what an event here looks like. The only concerns I have is for when I am to help make a reel/tiktok for the business as that is not me forte (even though I'm a teenager I know), but I know I'll figure it out. I wonder how these next couple weeks at my internship will look and am excited to see what new experiences I'll get to have.
Internship Journal Reflection 5/9
Honestly so far I don't have any questions about my internship. Not to say I haven't been stuck or confused but there is a very open communication policy here so any question I have I can ask and will be answered without issue. This is a big relief compared to my internship last year as I didn't have that kind of relationship with my mentor whatsoever. It hasn't felt all that different from going to classes. I've been researching a lot so I have just been filling up a notebook full of notes and learning a lot. Of course there are a lot of differences from school as this is a work environment and my favorite part is the aloneness. I still usually work in an office with my mentor but it has been so much easier not doing things in a class setting. Honestly even if I have no friends in a class I cannot focus whatsoever and end up doing everything from home. Here, that mindset that I can only get along in my room is with me pretty much throughout the whole day. The organization's purpose is to create a safe space for special needs people of all ages and their oceanside campus has so many amazing programs. Even though the only program I've seen here is the equestrian program I can tell it is so awesome. For their employee's they have a huge focus on communication which I love. I can sometimes struggle with this as I can get anxious talking to people but even in the short time I've been here I've almost completely tackled that hurdle with my mentors. So far my experience would has been great. I was a little worried since this internship was so last minute and I thought coming in everyday was going to be incredibly stressful but it has been so chill. I am so thankful for my mentor and my colleagues for making my experience so amazing so far.