This summer, I completed a summer internship. It was one of the most eye opening experiences of my life. In the wise words of the musical “Wicked,” “Who can say if I've been changed for the better, but because I knew you? I have been changed for good.”
1. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
This is one of the biggest lessons I have learned. When you participate in an internship, you have to work with all types of people. Some are very easy to work with and some not as much so, but no matter who you are working with, you still have to do your job. So no matter how hard it is or how many things go wrong, keep your head up and keep pushing forward.
2. Working with kids is messy.
Being a summer camp employee, you learn kids are messy in many ways. From the “Oh no, they just spilled juice all over the floor,” to the “The kid needs a little extra attention because of what is going on in there life right now,” working with kids is tough and messy, but it is so worth it. You will form bonds with them and sometimes even get the opportunity to touch their life in a special way. Even with the challenges, working with kids is so rewarding and will change your life forever.
3. You will be forced into the adult world.
One thing I can say is working a 9-5 job is not easy, but it is also not as bad as you think it will be. When you are doing something you enjoy the time will fly by, but in your internship you have to grow up and carry yourself like an adult. You have to be mature and carry yourself in a certain way. You have to be a good example to children and also be a good example for them. And don’t get me started on having to pay bills and decide what you are going to eat for dinner, but in being forced into the adult world it enhances your life and prepares you for the future.
4. Money doesn’t buy happiness.
That’s one thing that has been tough for me to swallow. Being in this internship showed me that you don’t have to make tons of money to love what you do and to make a difference in people's lives. I loved my internship and made a little over minimum wage. I didn’t get paid budgets of cash to work with kids all day (although I now feel teachers deserve a huge salary increase, because working with kids is hard work). Just the idea that I might being making an impact on their lives just slightly filled the holes in my heart money could never fill.
5. You will make amazing friends.
Through this internship, I not only made amazing friends through work, but I also made amazing friends through being involved in the community where I have been living the last 10 weeks. I am so blessed that this internship introduced me to amazing people with amazing stories who each showed me the meaning of loving your neighbor. They have truly enhanced my experience greatly.
So, this internship has been so enlightening. If you have never done an internship, I suggest you find one and give it a try. It will truly be an experience that will last you a lifetime.
