First thought: fellow and intern–interchangeable, right? Both of us are just temporary staff volunteers that are supposed to keep quiet, work had, get bossed around and repeatedly told how replaceable we are. We’re all just doing this to embellish our resumes with big brand names of agencies and organizations even though we don’t really learn any real skills other than learning the best ways to kiss up to our bosses.
Well, that was my initial fear getting into this program. Yah, we signed up for a “community-based research project”, but what does that actually mean? And whose keeping tabs on whether or not these third party organizations are actually going to make us do any meaningful work? Best case scenario: I’m either killing myself on multiple coffee runs or sitting in a drab, stereotypical cubicle in front of a computer plugging in data for 8 hours a day.
Ugh.
On my first day, however, the office staff/bosses repeatedly referred to us as their fellows. Kept on telling us how excited they were to work with us and how qualified and great we all were for our respective projects. We got a tour of the office (which is beautiful, by the way; it looks straight out of a Crate & Barrel or Ikea ad. You know what I’m talking about: the colorful rooms, bright furniture, a little retro feel, greenery and all those other perks that make a room look too good to be true), got our bio pictures, a tour of the beautiful, downtown ferndale and free lunch! Not only was the office and the location super awesome and super cool, but the staff treated us with respect right from the start. They specifically distinguished that we were FELLOWS and NOT INTERNS. Fellows are valued for the work and research they provide to receive actual lessons in return. On the other hand, interns are supposed to do more service-based work for their bosses. The office learns from the analyses and projects the fellow worked on while the intern is supposed to scramble to absorb whatever they can from the office while doing any work given to them. This distinction is important as it actually makes us fellows actually think that we’re doing some valuable work so that the office staff and the fellows can learn from each other.
Oh just a casual work day at the office. Great, as always.
We love Ferndale! I love that we’re all on the same page: trying to make an effort to enjoy the beautiful outdoors every day for lunch break!
Check out our bios from work!
http://www.michigansuburbsalliance.org/2014/06/12/transit-munifi-and-energy-oh-my/
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And not even just at the office, but I feel like I’m really vibing with the people in this program. We understand each other on a different level. We are all working in non-profits and can connect through intellectual conversations about our various programs. I have never before been surrounded by so many peers that care just as much, if not more than I do. It’s refreshing. Everyone is also willing to explore with me, as well, so that’s never really an issue.
Living here I’ve been practicing this new strategy: Every time I pass by anybody on the street or make eye contact with someone, I make an effort to say hello or at the very least, smile. I challenge myself to resist the urge to lower my gaze, avoid eye contact or judge anyone. Meredith said it quiet well: “everyone is a person, everyone has feelings”. Her words inspire me to keep an open mind about the world, about people and about new situations.
Oh and heads up: I have A TON of pictures coming soon!!
