Time has flown by as I close out my fifth week with City Year Columbus, marking the halfway point of this summer fellowship. It seems just yesterday I arrived at the Columbus Foundation for our first learning session and headshots. Although time has gone by quickly, I have learned so much in my role and from the people I work with. 

I joined City Year during a time of transformation where not only my specific site was going through voluntary/involuntary separations and redefining the scope of roles, but the national headquarters was also dealing with this monumental shift. As part of my marketing studies, I learned about the ever-changing needs of a business and in order to remain successful in an industry you must constantly be adapting to meet your consumer’s needs. Non-profits like City Year are not exempt from this integral component of business. 

At my site before I began the fellowship I had worked with a staff member on the Development team during a fundraising event. When I began the internship she had already departed from the organization but as I continue to find and utilize the abundant resources she left behind, I realize the importance of her time here and the value she contributed. It is in my belief that no matter how brief your time working with others you can always absorb something meaningful from the experience. 

This past week I worked on editing the alumni videos of two of our staff members who were leaving the organization. As I worked on their videos, I got to listen to their stories about City Year and the impact it had on them in their personal lives and professional careers. I also got to hear how they influenced their community through their service. 

In addition to all these changes happening around me, I found out recently that my supervisor will be unfortunately beginning a new journey at another nonprofit on July 19^th. I am grateful for all that she has taught me so far, wish her success in her future endeavors, and am looking forward to all the knowledge she will share with me in her remaining two weeks.