An Intern's Perspective
by Katy Paez
August 2007

Being an intern at Earthworks has provided me with experiences in almost every form of work. I've done things from potting new trees and shrubs to writing this article. Given EarthWorks mission, one might think that in this internship all one would do was plant, but it is much more than that. I have learned things that I would never have expected, such as keeping spreadsheets and database information up-to-date.

The real beauty about this internship is that I am able to do something that makes a difference in the world and also keeps me healthy mentally and physically. Although I am planting and contributing to outdoor work, I also assist many of the EarthWorks employees with their everyday work in the office. As any job would have its ups and downs I must say that there hasn't been a task or new project that I just had no interest in doing. If it were something I wasn't sure of how to do the EarthWorks employees would help me with pleasure. Everything I have done here is something that I will take forward and most certainly use again. The internship has given me great things to add to my résumé.

Some things were challenging, but that is what made the internship so exciting. I never thought that at the age of sixteen I would be working alongside our director to appeal to the board at the Wakefield Estate for funding for our youth program. That experience is definitely something I will always remember and be proud of. I also exceeded my own expectations when I took on a leadership role with the EarthWorks/HP Wild youth program at the Hyde Park YMCA. Being a graduate of the program, it is exciting to think that I was once in their shoes and now I am helping to teach them.

This internship has taught me about everything important in the office world and most importantly in nature and life. I never would have learned as much at any other typical teenage job. When I do move on from this I will give a special thanks to EarthWorks and everyone involved.