Hello and well come,
I hope everyone is still staying safe and not slowly going insane staying indoors.
Before starting the internship I had quit my job. I was a gas station clerk, who in fairness, did my job without complaint. But, after some time, I began to loathe the work I did. To be honest it wasn’t the customers, co-workers, or the task that came with. It wasn’t the hostility people would sometimes have towards me. It wasn’t because I had money stolen from me on the first day. It was the simple fact that I was working there. I kept telling myself that this was the job for me, but I could only find reasons why I should leave. Then one day, someone who I had great admiration for asked me a simple question. Why was I there? A question that I didn’t have an answer to, but I would ask myself everyday. For, I would never think of myself in high regard. But, for some odd reason, they thought of me as someone better; someone who had the abilities to shape their own future. It was sort of a wake up call. I didn’t realize that I still had an impact on those I once called friends. It felt nice to know that someone still had hope for me. That encounter influenced me to quit and move on to something new. That was when I was introduced to Ogallala Commons.
At the start I had almost no clue what I was doing; I was interviewed and accepted for the internship as a videographer. I did have experience in that field, but I felt as though I bitten off more than I could chew. But, nonetheless, I would try and do my best. As it turns out, I am still pretty average at both filming and writing blogs. In one of the blogs; I had to come up with three goals for the internship. One on improving communication with my co-workers, taking a leadership position during recordings, and expanding my professional network. The projects I had in line really helped in fulfilling each goal at once and in further developing my skill set. The first project I worked on was about a new gray water system that was to be installed for our produce washing station. The construction and explanation of the system was led by our youth education coordinator. I had never really acted as a director and I was relying on them to find a direction for filming. But, when it dawned on me that they didn’t have a clue, it made me realize that I would have to take on a sort of directors role in future projects. So, by the time I started my third video, I had gained confidence in directing and coordinating the projects. It became easier to do my job when I learned more about everyone. Volunteering and working with them helped to strengthen our relationship. I have and always will have a hard time communicating with others, but after spending time just talking I accomplished all three of my goals. By talking I had improved my communication skills, direction style, and my chances of continuing my work. Working with others is a main part of the job. Having these skills keeps you on a steady path, but improving the skills takes you further. The internship did just that and much more. I don’t know if I’ll continue with Ogallala Commons, but I will not forget what they have done for me. I hope more people can have an opportunity like this.
Thank You For Tuning In,
Aidan S.
