My View
My view from the office
Considering that this blog is comprised of my thoughts and reflections on working for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, it is hard to start an entry when I feel entirely speechless. Sleeping last night was a joke–I kept waking up to assure myself that I hadn’t missed my alarm, and I was riddled with jitters that I just couldn’t shake.
Navigating the public transportation system was an adventure in itself, but luckily I had two good friends to show me the ropes. When I emerged from the underground subway stop, I was assaulted by the sounds (and smells, I might add) of the city, and I wasn’t quite sure which way I was supposed to go. I mustered up as much bravado as I could manage and I simply went in a certain direction, which luckily ended up being right! That’s definitely a first.
My first day at PHC was calm yet still nerve-wracking. I don’t have much in the way of actual work yet, but I am becoming acquainted with how the office runs, and meeting all the PHC employees. When I first interviewed for the internship, I was so full of hope and ambition. I could just feel that my world was going to get a little bigger. The jitters were (and are) so persistent because I simply am not quite sure what this bigger world is going to look like to me, or how I’m going to fit into it. Like any other college kid, I wonder if I am actually prepared for this job. Am I qualified to do any of this? Perhaps not. But Haverford has taught me that if I ask questions, do my research, and hand it in with a smile, I could at least seem qualified. I’m starting to realize that the qualities that make someone “qualified” aren’t always how many proofs they’ve done, whether or not they know how to write a press release, or whether or not they can use Photoshop, but rather it is a willingness to learn, and learn quickly, dedicating oneself to a project whole-heartedly.
So while my new view is a little mind-boggling–how did I get here when 10 years ago my two biggest idols were Posh Spice and Evie from “The Mummy”??–I hope it stays that way for awhile.
I am so excited to work with these wonderful people at the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.
June 8th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Congratulations on surviving the public transportation situation! Being brave and asking questions is half the battle. You’re brilliant and I know you’ll do great.
July 28th, 2010 at 12:03 am
“But Haverford has taught me that if I ask questions, do my research, and hand it in with a smile, I could at least seem qualified. I’m starting to realize that the qualities that make someone “qualified” aren’t always how many proofs they’ve done, whether or not they know how to write a press release, or whether or not they can use Photoshop, but rather it is a willingness to learn, and learn quickly, dedicating oneself to a project whole-heartedly.”
LOVE it, Mandy!