I’m lucky to say that this internship has been full of memorable experiences. I think one of my favorite days was the 4th of July when two of my friends and I went to Kensington Metro Park and spent the day on the lake. We went paddle boating and swimming, and honestly just being outside for the day was so fun and beautiful. What stood out to me most was how easy it was to enjoy the water and nature with these two friends I had known for less than two months. Everything just fit perfectly that day and I even got an ice cream cookie sandwich–yum!
Cooking has also been a huge part of my summer. Before this summer, I had never had my own kitchen or been in charge of my groceries, and I’ve really been enjoying both of those things. I’ve always loved food, but this summer I’ve realized it’s one of my biggest passions. I want to go into food-policy, continue cooking and learn how to do it better, watch more food documentaries, earn a nutrition certification, and continue loving (obsessing over) food. One particular food experience that has stayed with me was biking to the CSA (Sommunity Supported Agriculture) with Dominique, Maddy and Sophia. Maddy, Sophia and I signed up for the CSA within our first week here, and it’s been working really well–every Tuesday after our group meeting we go to the urban farm on Third Street and pick up a bunch of produce. Every week it’s different, but it all comes from the farm right there. So in June one day, after Dominique led us all on a bike ride around the city, we rode there together. We picked up our bundle filled with beet greens, strawberries, lavender and more, and biked back to the apartments. Not only was the bike ride fun, but I felt so, for lack of a better word, earthy.
These events on their own are just that–individual experiences. However, they have been just two of the little highlights of this internship, and with so many this internship has been very enjoyable. I also like how I’ve been able to incorporate parts of my daily life before this summer and actualize the little goals I had for my summer into my time here. For example, I had always wanted to be a part of a CSA, and now I have been! It’s been challenging at times, because I’ve gotten vegetables I hadn’t had before and had to find ways to use them. Sometimes I’ve had to compost them, which is sad, but it’s been a good learning experience.
Overall, this entire internship has been an experience that has taught me a lot. I’ve learned and grown, but also had many good laughs and happy memories.
