Working with Concordia Place this summer has been an enlightening and unforgettable experience that I will be forever grateful for. In my role as an intern at Concordia Place, I am working with the advancement team, which means that I am helping out with fundraising agendas, and not only have I been able to work and experience what it is like to reach out to different companies and organizations and inform them of Concordia Place’s mission, I also have been able to work on a variety of projects at my internship.

For example, a long term project that I am working on is evaluating how the data gathered for our teen programs can be most effective in relaying the information to donors and parents. This has been a challenging task for me because I have never done anything like it before and I would really like to thank my supervisor because she is always available and open for any questions that I have. I would also like to thank her for being super open and making me feel comfortable in my role as an intern at Concordia Place. With that being said, back to the Teen Metrics program: it has been one of the most challenging tasks that I have attempted in a while and even though the project before me is difficult, I know that I will be able to complete it if I use my resources.

My internship is unique to me because it is far removed from my major and from anything that I thought I wanted to do with my life. I never imagined working for a nonprofit organization or doing any kind of fundraising for a nonprofit, but I am grateful for this opportunity to explore what it is like and how it works. Naturally, my experience working for a nonprofit has caused me to re-evaluate the purpose and pla ns that I originally envisioned for my life. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone already and with having to step out of my comfort zone, I have been able to grow professionally and personally.

Another big project that I have been able to help with and work on is the annual gala that Concordia Place is having in November. My tasks have been specifically geared towards a silent auction that will take place at the gala. In this role, I have reached out to different organizations and asked if they would be willing to donate items for the auction. As I mentioned before, at this internship, I have been pushed out of my comfort zone: this is one of the tasks that aided in that. It felt weird and awkward at times, and I stumbled and made mistakes, but it was worth it because I learned how to ask organizations for donations in a concise and polite manner. I’ve also been able to research different entertainment ideas for the event and that has been fun for me because I am able to look at different bands and photo booth options that we can use at the gala.

So far, I have enjoyed being able to get this experience and working with my fellow coworkers. I am excited about what else is to come and all of the other projects that I will work on.

– Justine Dorsey, Concordia Place