Why did you choose your internship?
I am very passionate about Career and Technical Education. My life has been changed because I was involved in FFA in high school and it was a thrill to be able to give back and serve in a small way. This internship stretched me and made me learn a lot on the spot - and I am so grateful for that.
What did you gain from your internship experience?
My primary responsibility throughout the internship was the management of the State FFA Officer Team. I felt the weight of that responsibility from the very beginning. It was very daunting to know that these eight individuals would be looking to me for guidance, teaching, and as a role model. This experience taught me two great lessons in leadership. First, people will rise to the bar that you set for them. They want to be proud of themselves. They want to accomplish big things and they want someone to hold them accountable. This State Officer Team rose to the occasion every single time. The second lesson can be described by the quote by Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But, people will never forget how you made them feel.” I think this is a very important aspect of leadership because if we are going to ask people to step up and be great, we must treat them with kindness, respect, and love first.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for their internship?
The main advice that I would offer to other students when searching for an internship is to follow your interest no matter what. While my internship does not completely align with my future career goals, the experiences and lessons learned from it will be invaluable in my future endeavors. Every worthwhile experience makes you better and more equipped for the future. If you have the opportunity, go for it!