I definitely forgot to post my update last week, so let us recap.

For starters we (as in the fellows) went to a Columbus Crew game together and it was so much fun! The other fellows are so genuine, and kind and I really appreciated getting to have that experience with them.

As we are literally days away from being done with this summer experience, I am filled with sadness and gratitude. This summer has been full of learning and cultivating relationships that I know will continue to impact me in my everyday life and my professional career.

I am so grateful to have worked under two bosses who lead with kindness, and who from the beginning believed in me and my abilities as an intern. Aminata and John are literally the coolest individuals I have had the pleasure to meet. Watching them handle situations and adapt while remaining kind and caring has taught me a great deal about leadership.

I am grateful to have worked for an organization that is working tirelessly to help individuals come back from the pandemic, build their businesses, and gain financial security. As well as one that is working to serve the neighborhood their organization rests in.

Gratitude aside for a second, last week involved saying goodbye to two employees of ECDI, Jesse and Edgar, which was very sad, but I am excited for them and their new opportunities! Last week was also full of housekeeping things, like talking to IT and making word docs with important links. Additionally, we had a Farm Stand on Friday. We had more ECDI volunteers than before, but we didn’t get as many community members stopping by as the last time. We changed the times we were out there this time around to an earlier time and I think that might have been a factor.

This week I have more wrapping up projects planned, as well as many workshops I plan to attend, and some closing meetings.

I am preparing to be sad on Friday, to finish out my time with ECDI wishing I had more opportunities to work with all of the wonderful people here. But after our goodbyes I expect to be filled with joy and pride, joy because I learned and proud because I made it through and gave it my all.