Itâs coming down to the last two and a half weeks of the year.
Naturally, this calls for some reflection.
Around this time last year, I dropped a (nearly) âatomic bombâ on my parents: I wasnât going to graduate school⌠yet.
Of course, I did this over dinner. So, the food that was just eaten churned in my parentsâ stomachs as acid burned their throats. Forks clanked on their dinner plates. Four eyes glared at me in disbelief. I, on the other hand, continued to eat and stare at my dish.
I promised a year of work and writing.
I applied to internships and jobs that had something to do with English.
I was really, really worried. The opportunities for employment are super low and why would any company hire someone without experience & still in school? Granted, I was heading into my last semester. But still.
I stumbled upon Gotham Writersâ Workshop during my many hours of Googling âInternships for writersâ and âInternships for English majors.â I kinda felt like it was a long-shot, but at this point â with the deal I made my parents â I had to try.
I was going to use my professional, handy-dandy cover letter. But something told me otherwise. So, I scrapped that and wrote a new one: a funner, more creative, cover letter with personality all over it. I paired it with my oh-so-lovely C.V., and sent it off to Dana.
A few weeks later, when I got a response from Dana saying sheâd love for me to be an intern, I was in the library. On the silent floor of my library, nonetheless.
I squealed.
Then, I got shushed.
We set up a date for an interview via Skype and nine months later, here I am â a third-term intern with one of the most joyous places Iâve ever worked. Ever. And probably will ever work.
Thereâs no atmosphere like this one. Iâm sure of it.
When I applied, I had severe anxiety. Although it was under control with medication, it still wasnât to the point where I could be comfortable in a new environment without someone I know.
Now, my anxiety is gone. This place made me feel so comfortable, so helpful, that I eventually began to gain a lot more confidence in myself, my work ethic, and my ability to overcome my anxiety.
This year brought many changes that are incredibly positive. And it hasnât ceased yet.
I wouldnât know what I would do if I didnât have Gotham in my life. Iâve learned so much and Iâve met incredibly awesome people.
I donât ever wanna leave.
Ever. đ