First Impressions!

What struck me most about the workplace going into this internship was my energy levels. At my previous job I would work four hour shifts and feel groggy and sore the rest of the day as well as the day after. With this internship I feel like I can help so many people and creatures and even after six hours, I still have energy afterward to keep being active. I sleep better too! All of my colleagues are so insightful and I can ask any question because it is guaranteed that somebody has an answer. Within the first five days Ive already built habits while taking care of these animals. What strikes me most generally is how much I love doing this job. It's not a "I have to do this" but more of a "I get to do this" mindset and I feel excited going into every day. Im most looking forward to getting started in the education programs where I'll go out to different locations with staff members and help them do lessons and educate future generations about these beautiful animals. I wonder If this internship will spark a new career inspiration for me as I feel I am already leaning toward this path in life. 

Week 2

I am learning that I'm willing to do what it takes to take care of and support these animals and the people around me. So far my strengths have been asking questions and observing other people's methods. I really enjoy being around all of the sweet animals. No day is the same and the kind animals energy really lifts my spirit. I haven't found much to dislike about this work experience apart from feeling a little filthy afterwards, but hey thats what showers are for. I want to continue to improve making daily tasks into habits and advocating for myself when I need to. 

Week 3

Through week three i've unfortunately caught covid. In order to stay proactive I decided to email my mentor as to what I should focus on during my time away. When I am in person, I make a very meaningful contribution to my internship workplace by staying busy and always asking if I can help people. The organization does struggle with short staffing so doing the most with my skill levels is crucial to a functional workplace. Ive learned that everyones effort is important to the organization as a whole, big or small everything is helpful and its important to step up when others will not. Ive been learning to appreciate workplaces so much more than before, every place has so much work put into it so that you have an amazing experience and that can even cost people their well-being and mental health. This amazing internship has given me opportunity to get lots of volunteer hours as well as experience to inspire when it is i might look forward to in my future career. 

Peer Check In

One of my friends was offered a job at her internship which is huge, her project focuses on a disease.  Another friend is learning her way through the legal system and observing different clients and situations. Taking care of children and entertaining babies is a career that one of my other friends is considering pursuing. 

First Day

Walking in and taking in the enviornment gave me comfort and excitement, I love the energy in the building and how gentle and happy everything feels. All of our coworkers were just amazing and extremely welcoming, the workplace seems just right. I love everybodies attitudes and energy, it feels like a community of real people who arent stressed. When it comes to working here ive so far, loved every minuet. Getting to know everyone while figuring out what i'll be doing for the next five weeks has been great. I love how laid back but experimental it is. While im here i really look foward to doing an overnight event where well do team building, plan an art lesson, and experience new things while outside.