Thank you RedEye

I am a sentimental fool. Really. Like, it gets awkward. (I cried at my last college lacrosse game…both of them.)

So, naturally, as I wrap up my time as the Social Media intern at the RedEye (for real this time), I couldn’t help but feel compelled to just let everyone know how much my time here has meant to me. I will skip over my sorted history of job-hunting woes and dead-end leads, because I can now honestly say, I am grateful for every door I’ve had shut in may face; every opportunity I thought I’d missed, and (can’t believe I’m saying this) still being at my gig at Spaland; it is because of all that didn’t work out in the past, that I was able to do what I’ve done now. And I wouldn’t trade my experience here for anything in the world.

To feel challenged, to come to a place where people genuinely enjoy their work, to be able to think of an idea and have it listened to; it may all sound trite,  but it’s anything but. It is nice to know going to work does not need to be a dreaded event, and if it is, well, then you’re in the wrong job.

This was my first internship, and I’ve probably been spoiled–spoiled in that I never felt I was thought of as just “the intern”. And I think I can speak for all who have interned here when I say we’re made to feel like a valuable, contributing member of the team. No one wears a scarlet “I” on their shirt.

I’m a big believer in always taking what you do seriously, but never taking yourself seriously. I think the peeps here at RedEye are a shining example of finding that balance.

And while I know I’m just part of a line of interns who will come and go throughout the year, I have never felt it. My time here has been far more than just good work experience, it’s been good life experience. And I’m proud to call many of the staff friends.

People keep asking me “what’s next?”

If I knew, you’d woulda seen it on Twitter. But rest assured I am not going to float off into oblivion. (Sorry.) You can still find me on the BrokeAss blog, sharing deals, advice, and resources for not only getting your ass un-broke, but how to live a relatively enjoyable life until you do.

And I still believe that the only difference between you and someone who has been doing your dream job for 10 years is 10 years. And understand that simple in no way equals easy. One of my favorite quotes came from a friend’s Facebook page: “No regrets, just lessons.” I’ve always tried to live by that motto.

So a huge, ginormous thank you to the entire staff for making this experience what it was. Especially Scott and Steph, for teaching me what I need to run with an idea, and then trusting me to do it, and most of all, answering all my incessant questions, e-mails, and DMs with patience and a smile. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate it all.

So thank you. For everything.

And stay tuned folks. I’m excited to see where I end up myself.