As we close out week 6 most of the work remains the same. I am continuing projects like the Annual Impact Report, 30^th Anniversary Alumni Videos, Opening Day graphic, Back to School Drive campaign, etc. I also began working on the July Board Newsletter and the Red Jacket Bash campaign. 

One of the biggest changes happening at my site is the departure of our Executive Director Adero Robinson at the end of the month. Adero previously served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year prior to his role as Executive Director. It will be interesting to see how new leadership will affect City Year’s trajectory, especially since change is also happening at headquarters.

However, I wanted to take a step back this week and focus on why I applied to The Columbus Foundation Summer Fellowship Program. Like most rising juniors I was looking for an internship that would give me real-world experience in preparation for a future career in business. While I was initially searching for solely a marketing role, I quickly broadened my horizons to include other areas of business. 

As I searched I remember coming across The Columbus Foundation’s description of the fellowship. What really caught my eye was the mention of working with nonprofits in Columbus. I already had some experience volunteering as I had volunteered at food pantries, the Ohio State Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, and school events. I had enjoyed my time at these events, liked the idea of making an impact in my local community, and wanted to contribute to something greater than myself so I was sold. 

As I was browsing through the list of non-profits that The Columbus Foundation was partnering with this summer, I noticed City Year Columbus’s role description matched exactly what I was going to school for. I was incredibly grateful that I had found an opportunity that fit my skills so well and quickly applied. 

As I continue to learn more every day about non-profits, philanthropy, business, and marketing, I look back and am thankful I was lucky enough to get selected for this opportunity. I will make sure to continue to make the most of this experience.