This past summer, I had the pleasure and privilege of being an Arts Administrative Intern here at People’s Light. My summer wasn’t just filled with work, but also with new adventures, new knowledge, and kind people.

I learned how to navigate a theater database (Shoutout to Associate Director of Development Michelle Johnson & Director of Data Insight Matthew Lazorwitz!), how to write grants (Shoutout to Director of Development Jane Moss!), how to engage full-heartedly in the community (Shoutout to Director of Community Programs Mieke D & Mushroom Associate Producer Nikko Kimzin!), how to look beyond the page of a script (Shoutout to Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman & General Manager Erin Sheffield!), how inspirational theater games can be and how they impact audiences of all ages (Shoutout to the Education team: Kathryn Moroney, Nadira Beard, & Lyle Sweppenheiser!) and so much more.

The list goes on. There is no word to describe how I’m feeling after my experience here other than thankful; I am just truly thankful. I got to do it all: read stage directions, help set up for events, flyer throughout the community, assistant stage manage an event, sit in on meetings, visit a mushroom farm, see new shows, meet new people, and experience a new adventure almost every single day!

People’s Light has become like a second home to me. So much so, that at the end of my summer internship here I was offered another opportunity to continue growing and working—this time as Bilingual Community Engagement Coordinator for Mushroom. I am so grateful for my time here and look forward to continue my work with People's Light into the future.

I will leave you with this: over the summer, I would write a journal entry at the end of every week about my experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. Here is one lesson I learned each week ... 

Week 1
Say hi to anyone you may meet or come across in a theater.

Week 2
Even if a phone call, email, or conversation didn’t go as planned, that is still valuable information for the future.

Week 3
Tasks may seem scary or difficult to accomplish at first, but once I start, I realize that I am 100% capable.

Week 4
It’s extremely important to just show up and be there to support.

Week 5
A support system at work can truly make a difference.

Week 6
It’s okay to ask for help when I need it, and not to rush myself. Nobody else is rushing me, so why am I putting so much pressure on myself? Stop it!

Week 7
It’s okay to take breaks and not be at 100% all of the time.

Week 8
Get out of my own head. I don’t have to be perfect at something, I just have to try my best.

Week 9
What is meant for you, will be. Trust the process and the journey.