Detours

Today, just like every other day, I came to work excited what today would bring. After learning from last week that I cannot skip lunch, I quickly munched on a salad from the Dining Hall and headed off to my internship. I arrived late, due to eating lunch and walked in on my boss as well as Katie and the other counselors having a meeting to follow up upon last minute things that need to done. Some of these included following up with schools for visits, and fairs; printing out letters for the Open House, buying plane tickets, stuffing envelopes, writing addresses to mail packages to schools, etc. I got the task today of helping Katie in whatever way I could, which looking at her to do list, she looked like she could use a hand or two

Katie had everything I previously mentioned on her to do list and more. Today, I was mainly refilling the printer, fixing it when need be, and writing addresses on the envelopes for reminder letters to counselors at the high schools of the upcoming visits.The thing that I really appreciate about Katie and her work is that she takes the time to specifically explain to me what I am doing for the day, but also to explain the reasoning behind what we do. For example, she wanted me to hand write the addresses on the letters that were being mailed out because it portrays a message that every letter is personal and special. Personalized letters have a certain authenticity that resonates when one writes or reads them and sends a clear message to the receiver that makes the receiver feel important. I was glad I could have the honor of making someone else feel special, if only for a moment.

Though these jobs do seem small and boring, I do understand that not only does someone need to do them, but also they are the stepping stones to what will come later on in the internship. In a very subtle way, I am being trained around the office and getting to understand and know, not only who likes who, but also where items are if my boss or Katie asks me to go find letter head paper or to print something or what have you. I enjoy learning all the new ins and outs of the company, even though I do get lost on occasion or call someone the wrong name. I look forward to the many more crazy adventures I will have here on the hill as well as building relationships with people that could also help me succeed later on in my academic career.