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And that’s a wrap

Hello again,
Wow! This internship and summer went by super fast. Like way too fast. There is a saying, “time flies when you’re having fun” and I believe this completely. I had a blast this summer and learned a multitude of new skills. I have completed an internship through Ogallala Commons for three years now and this year, I have by far learned more than any other year. My internship was split up into three different parts.
I had the opportunity to help Shelby Thibodeaux, the Intern and Apprentice Program Coordinator. I did not realize all that she does for Ogallala Commons. I assisted her wherever she needed. I made various spreadsheets throughout the summer, I was in charge of all of the blogs, made phone calls and sent emails weekly, and updated the Twitter page frequently. For anyone who knows me, they know I am not the world’s’ best with technology, especially for my age. Throughout my whole internship, I learned the most helping Shelby Thibodeaux.
The second part of my internship was supervising the interns of Swisher County. I learned much throughout this role as well. I was a little worried on how it was going to go since I’m only a few years older than some of them. I had a great experience getting to know all four of them individually. I met with them once a week for lunch to discuss how they were doing and what they enjoyed, learned, etc. I texted the interns weekly to remind them when projects were due, to make sure they were contacting the business where they would be working ahead of time, etc. I decided to give each business an evaluation on the intern. It was great receiving feedback from the interns but I also wanted to get the business perspective about the intern program. This has been really helpful because I know what we need to do to in the future to improve the program and to address any issue if necessary. I am also in charge of their Harvesting Ceremony, where I made invitations and delivered them and will be making refreshments for it. I really liked being on the other end and working with the businesses in a different role. I have enjoyed being the supervisor of Swisher County.
The third part of my internship was helping with the annual Swisher County Picnic and Rodeo. A lot goes into planning and putting on a successful county wide gathering. I helped with most of the public relations. I had many signs and banners made that consisted of the donor’s name that was for the BBQ lunch, Entertainment on the Square, and Rodeo. One of the interns and I put up the signs and banners all through the town as well. I hung the flyer at several businesses in the county. The day of the picnic, my father and I sold tickets for the BBQ lunch. I also made a thank you note to send to all the donors and people who helped achieve a thriving picnic and rodeo.
I had a grand experience through this internship and I would like to thank Ogallala Commons for giving me this opportunity. A very special thank you is extended to Darryl Birkenfeld, Shelby Thibodeaux, and Calley Runnels. Ogallala Commons is an amazing non-profit organization to be part of and I would recommend it to everyone.

My amazing supervisor, Shelby Thibodeaux
My amazing supervisor, Shelby Thibodeaux
Cole and Anndee, two of my four interns
Cole and Anndee, two of my four interns
Laura Kate and Cody, my two of four interns
Laura Kate and Cody, my two of four interns