Hello! My name is Elena Orellana, I attend Grand Canyon University in Arizona. I am majoring in Justice Studies in hopes to eventually go to Law school. The Fellowship program at the Columbus Foundation is an amazing opportunity that I have the privilege of participating in this summer. My host program is the Franklin County Agricultural Society, also known as the Franklin County Fairgrounds. The Franklin County Fairgrounds have been operating for over 100 years hosting both yearly fairs and year-round community centered events that both bring the community together and allow local businesses and community members to give back to the surrounding community. The fair is not only a recreational experience, it is a century old tradition that promotes local agriculture, community engagement and economic stimulation within the surrounding community.

My very first day was Monday the first of June, which began with orientation at the Foundation where I was able to meet several amazing people who are each participating in different non-profits. Dr. Lomax gave us a short introduction on who he was, and what the Fellowship program was and how we could maximize our experience. After orientation we were each sent to our prospective workplaces to begin the second part of our day.

Upon arrival to the fairgrounds I was given a tour around the entire area where I was able to see the extent of the fairgrounds and just how big it really is! I was then introduced to the staff and began setting my office space. The first week of my fellowship was spent learning how to navigate the systems, meeting other employees, helping process sponsorships and membership purchases. I was even able to attend a meeting where we brainstormed ideas to enhance the Fair’s social media. The office is a quiet, relaxed environment where individuals are tasked with various roles each working toward one main goal, a successful fair. As the fair gets closer I am sure we will get much busier, for now, I am just learning the basics which include processing checks, selling memberships and advertising for the upcoming fair. I am so excited to see what else I will be doing as we get closer to the fair. 

~Elena Orellana