As I’m sure the other Fellows have said, 10 weeks have never flown by so fast! It seems like it wasn’t long ago that I was sitting in our Zoom orientation anticipating our first day at our host sites. With the changes our world has gone through lately, I am so grateful to have been able to complete the program and make the connections I did. As a 2021 college graduate, I was extremely nervous to enter the professional world during a time full of turmoil. While my job search still continues ahead, I can say for certain that my confidence and belief in myself as a professional has increased.

FLOW was the perfect entry into the real world. I’ve always said that my “dream job” may not exist because most of the things I love to do are just volunteering or a side hobby. However, working with FLOW helped me realize that a nonprofit may be the perfect answer to that problem! When I was out in nature picking up trash, pulling invasives, or just listening to a meeting about next steps to reach a goal, the job was so fulfilling. All jobs have purpose, but the mission-driven work I’ve experienced within the nonprofit sector is inspiring and makes me want to get up and work each day.

I was expecting to be a typical intern and be given small busy work jobs or the projects no one else wanted to do. In fact, I felt quite the opposite. I was honored to be given such important and interesting projects to work on. The responsibility FLOW gave me helped me feel welcomed and valued within the organization. If I were to give a future Fellow advice, I would tell them to be confident in their strengths and to not be afraid of working on their areas of growth. I’ve often felt like I’ve needed to “fake it until I make it” to get my foot in the door, but my questions and doubts were always met with genuine kindness and a desire to help me grow. Ask questions!

While I continue my job search, I’m excited to stay on-board with FLOW and help them with whatever I can. Their passion makes me passionate! The Columbus area is lucky to have an organization like FLOW looking out for us. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Thank you, The Columbus Foundation, for allowing me to have this opportunity. I can’t say enough great things about the program. I hope to read the blog with future fellows as well! Thanks for following along for the last 10 weeks. -Shelly