My first few days at Make A Wish consisted of me trying to absorb as much information as possible. I’m doing a cost analysis of wishes for the organization to help pinpoint why costs have risen in the past few years. There are so many different categories of costs and wishes that figuring out where to start was extremely challenging. My supervisor and I talked a lot about areas she thinks are the most important to focus on right now, which was extremely helpful. I decided that the best thing I can do this summer is to not only look at already existing data, but to also create templates for future analysis. We’re the first chapter in the country to really be analyzing costs at a level this in-depth, so I hope if I create good templates they can be useful for not only the OKI chapter, but also for Make A Wish as a whole. I absolutely love research, so I am very nerdily excited to spend my days analyzing numbers and making drafts.

I interned with the central Ohio branch of Make A Wish OKI last summer as the Development Intern. Coming back to the office again was like coming home. The Cheers theme song is playing in my head as I walk into the office, greeted by friendly, excited faces and my new favorite color that I just refer to as “Make A Wish blue”. My boss, Sophia, took me around the office and introduced me to everyone, familiar and unfamiliar. There’s nothing like your first day at Make A Wish. You immediately feel valued and like you belong. Smiling wish kids pictures line the walls and desks, reminding you with every turn what we are working to accomplish. Our mission and our values are forefront in our minds and that’s reflected in the hard work everyone consistently puts in.  When you get to your desk, you’re greeted with a sign saying “Welcome!” with your title underneath and adorable pictures of wish kids having their dreams come true.  I am extremely excited for my summer here and to contribute to our ability to grant every eligible wish child their wish.