This Is Not The End, But The Beginning

Working at Future for Kids has been a privilege and an honor. I went into this experience not fully sure how things were going to work. I had never worked for a nonprofit company or in a position that wasn’t sales, so I was a bit apprehensive as far as if I was going to be good enough for the company. I think one thing I am thankful for is the fact that I wasn’t fully sure what to expect, why you ask? Well I feel that because, I didn’t have any preconceived notions about Future for Kids, every time something happened I was in awe, I was excited and ready for anything. I feel that diving headfirst into the experience was something that gave me so much more, everything was an adventure. You know that saying, that ignorance is bliss? Well it only starts out as ignorance, but turns into a journey, when you having everything before you and all you know is that you are moving forward to a higher goal, everything can be an amazing and wonderful, you just have to look at it the right way. If you go into things like internships or even careers with all you weapons, strength, and knowledge in place, even if you fail it is still a learning experience that taught you a lesson you can use for years to come. I feel that as I am reaching the end of my time at Future for Kids I have found my groove here. I feel comfortable in the things I am doing and in the experience I have gained. Future for Kids didn’t just teach me about a business they taught me about community. When working in such a small company you have to have allies in every corner ready to help you when you need. Personal interactions are a huge part of being in the nonprofit community. Everyone is involved no matter how small the job, everyone stays in contact at all times, ready and prepared for changes and growth in the company. To me Future for Kids isn’t just a nonprofit company it is a family, a family that is there for each other and for the kids that we are striving for. Even working with the kids at our sites is a learning experience; it teaches you about compassion and shows you to have faith in what you do because it does matter. Those kids are the most amazing individuals, from day one they grabbed my heart and didn’t let go. I feel that the children we serve at our sites are the mortar that holds this company together, without them, what would we fight for. This has been such a rewarding experience, because in my heart and in my experience I know that the work I have done for the company has and will continue to be important. My work helped make a difference in these kids’ lives, and that is the most rewarding experience. My reason for being able to get up at 6:30am and come into work is because, it matters when I am there, it matters to the company, and it matters to the kids. We are a family that thrives off each other and helps propel each other forward. This experience has become such an important part of my life that I plan to continue to help with the company whenever I can, working with them on projects I have started during my time here. That way I can see the finished product and experience the feeling and the realization that I created something that is going to make a difference to a community. As my internship comes to an end so does our summer program for the kids, it pulls at my heart as I realize how much I am going to miss them. I am going to miss being a part of their lives and watching them as they build their confidence and hope. The one thing that makes it all ok is the realization that I was a part of a great experience for this sort time, that made an impact and a difference in the children’s live. I am not sure if nonprofit is the direction that I am heading, but I am so grateful for the lessons I have learned and the experience I have gained. This have been an amazing adventure that I will remember forever, I have faith that this experience will be an integral part of my future. Future for Kids has helped me grow and change giving me knowledge and strength in my abilities. I feel that this time at Future for Kids, more to the point the time at my internship site and knowledge I gain from being an intern period is something I think all college students should do and be a part of.