It’s Over

I didn't write a blog entry last week, because I only had two more days to go and figured I would write one final blog. First I will review my week and then perhaps I will have a moment of reflection.

 

My last full week at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture (NMAAHC) was AWESOME! On Tuesday, I presented the teen program I designed to the entire education staff. The presentation went well and I received some great feedback. Then on Thursday, the education director came into my office and told me that she was very impressed with my program and that it was stellar work. She actually said stellar! Then she asks me when I graduate and let me know that they would be sure to stay in touch with me. Needless to say I was very excited (yes I called my mama). The next day my supervisor came in asked me if I would be taking classes next summer, just in case an opportunity opened up. This is really everything that you can ask for from an internship! The icing on the cupcake, my supervisor agreed to sit on my thesis committee. It's just a great ending to a great internship.

 

Moment of Reflection

I have had a wonderful experience at NMAAHC. I've met some fantastic people and made solid connections. Most importantly I've learned a lot about myself. I know now, more than ever before, that this is what I want to do with my life. I've learned a lot about professionalism. I also had the opportunity to see a museum being developed from the ground up. That's an opportunity that many museum professionals will never have. Finally I've learned the importance of a good work ethic and taking pride in your work. Sure I've worked plenty of professional positions, but this is the first time that I have the opportunity to create something from scratch. I put hard work into my program and it was noticed and respected. Often times we work in places where we don't feel appreciated. Leaving here, I feel appreciated and respected. That's amazing.

 

Tomorrow I leave for Gainesville somewhat sad, but excited about finishing my degree and getting to work in my field.

 

 

The End is Near

I'm winding down my stay here in Washington D.C. and I must say that I'm sort of sad. I've thoroughly enjoyed my internship and have learned a lot. I'm even more excited about the museum profession. Next week I make my final presentation on my program and wrap-up some other side projects then it's back to Gainesville (tear).

After missing Monday, due to illness, I've spent most of this week in meetings and workshops. Tuesday saw a meeting with the evaluators of the education department. We spent the day discussing what needs to be evaluated before the museum's opening, how to conduct the evaluations and the creation of an evaluation tool that can be easily adjusted after the museum has opened. Wednesday and Thursday brought the Mobile Learning Institute, where I used web 2.0 tools to create and upload a video to the Smithsonian's social networking site. I was supposed to attend a workshop on applying for Smithsonian jobs today (Friday), but just couldn't bring myself to go.

I think that I'm going to be taking work home with me this weekend so I can create a totally awesome presentation for next Tuesday. I hear the clock ticking and it's making me depressed. Finally, I still haven't met Michelle, but I'm not giving up hope.

Bittersweet

So I have two weeks left. I'm sad and excited all at the same time. On the one hand, I get to go home and see my family, but on the other hand, I have to leave this awesome internship. Oh well, it just means that I have to get a job here after graduation and make plenty of money so that I can visit home often. That's easy.

This week I gave myself the task of completing one of my major projects in its entirety. I'm proud to say that I succeeded. It took a couple of long nights, but it was worth it. I was also reminded of my unpaid intern status when I was recruited to fold thousands of pamphlets for an upcoming trip. For the record, that part sucked (and we're not finished). So next week I'm going to complete my teen program and prepare my Pecha Kucha (thanks Dr. Willumson). Finally, I had an intern tour scheduled this week, but didn't get to go. I'm not sad though, they tell me Michelle wasn't even there.

A Great Week

I'm still behind on the blogging, but I'm trying to catch-up this week.

 

So last week I did a preliminary presentation of my teen program. I knocked it out of the park. Both of my intern supervisors were very impressed with my program and my presentation. Also, the education director (my bosses' boss) told me that the work that I did on the bookmark series was fabulous (her words not mine). I must say that all in all, it was a fantastic week. Let's see how this week turns out. Only three weeks left.

On day I might get some work finished

I know it is Monday, but this post is for last week. I'm still playing catch-up.

It took over a week, but as of last Wednesday, my office is finally up and running. One would think that I would actually get some work finished. That really didn't happen. On Wednesday, the museum sponsored a forum in collaboration with Hip Hop Theater Week. I spent most of the day working at the forum, so no work was finished that day. Thursday was the intern networking reception and career fair, so no work that day either. Finally, Friday was the curatorial retreat, so again, not much work was finished. I wouldn't be too concerned about it, except that I have a presentation this Thursday on my teen program. I'm not panicking, I just see a lot of long days ahead of me. In other news, I have an intern tour of the White House soon. Maybe I'll meet Michelle!

Thus is the Life of an Intern

I'm playing catch-up with my blog, because I was (and still am) a little displaced last week.

Last week, I experienced a quick reminder that I'm just an intern. I had this great cubicle with a large window, until someone wanted my cubicle. Since this person actually gets a paycheck to be here and I don't, I had to give up my space. All is not lost! I moved into a great corner office, but I have to share it with two other interns. Unfortunately, the office isn't ready, so for the last week, I've been without my own computer. I've been somewhat of a nomad, floating from cubicle to cubicle each day, depending on who's absent. Since I don't have permanent work space, there isn't much work getting accomplished. I guess this is what happens to interns. Maybe sometime this week, I will have an actual office to work in, with an actual computer. Keep your fingers crossed!

A Sense of Purpose

There are millions of people who have gone their entire life without finding their passion. This internship has afforded me the opportunity to find mine. When you're in college and choosing your major, often you question if you're doing the right thing. Sometimes, you graduate and you're still not sure. As I work each day, I become increasingly confident in my decision.

Today I attended a meeting on a permanent exhibition. This is the first meeting where I witnessed the collaborative efforts of each component of a museum staff. When talking about the objects for the exhibit, input was given from the curators and the collections manager. Then the education department weighed in on the overall visitor experience. It allowed me to really see what goes into developing an exhibit. It was a great experience.

During this meeting, pictures of objects for the exhibition were passed around. My emotions run the gamut when thinking about the history of these images. I feel pride when I look at the accomplishments of my people, anger when I think of how we've been abused and mistreated and sadness at the hardships that we had to endure. Museums have the ability to summon these emotions in people. It's these emotions that help to solidify my decision to become a museum professional. As I continue to learn, I now know that I will leave this internship with a greater sense of purpose. It's these emotions that help to solidify my decision to become a museum professional.

Lastly, my books came in (YAY)!