a Final Final Reflection

Ah, here I am, the final Fellow to have her say again. What can be said about my shared summer that hasn’t already been mused on by the other two fellows? I have to say, the paragraphs below are shared sentiments said by two of the greatest young minds I’ve met and had the tremendous privilege to work beside this summer.

Diversity of Exposure

In very few programs can you work one-on-one with a businessman barista, a retired engineer-glass artisan, a team of innovative caregivers giving hope to those at the end of life’s journey, and a passionate volunteer community in perhaps one of the midwest’s most beautiful theaters. I was told stories of the past, clued into the lessons learned and given common vision for the future in all of these settings. As a student of a liberal arts education, I’m no stranger to handling multiple disciplines--but never such at a level beyond the university's idealized projections and hypotheticals. But in these diversities experienced in my fellowship remained a common thread tied tighter than any noble educational pursuit--the thread of serving one community called home.

Relearning the Language of the Natives

This may seem like a dramatic or even silly notion--besides, I grew up here and Kelsey and Dessie have both studied and worked in remote European counties and I’m here talking about the difficulty of communication between myself and other members of the only community I’ve really known since birth. Yep, I am.

Learning to depend on real people with critically different experiences through different educations and generations takes a lot of patience, not just from me, but patience from the business partners that I worked with. There’s a lot of trial and error in the Fellows program and there’s a plethora of different methods of trial and even more methods of error. People here have been so willing to learn and quick to be affirming when I’ve been unsure. So whether it’s me showing a business a better network solution or them telling me that I put stamps on the wrong side of a letter (oops.), the experience has been a two-way highway of crash and learn.

Networking for the Future

The familiarity built in the last section has given way to new hopes and goals for us fellows (fellettes?). As I humble-bumbled in the MSNBC interview my scared, second week, I really haven’t had the much of the “adult” life. Sure, I’ve had great little summer jobs between the school-years, but I always felt like “the kid”. Here, you’re not only a professional colleague, you’re trusted with information that their employees may not even know about their business. No, I did not uncover any sensational plots against the State or an awful scheme to get rich and run, but I was shown first-hand how each and every business consciously aims to improve their service to give back to a deserving community. It always came back to contributing to the Community.

A Final Reflection on a Second Summer

       It was hard enough to believe this time last year that one summer of Clinton Community Fellows had come and gone, and now, as I look back on my second summer serving as a Fellow, I am amazed that the experience went by so quickly—again. This summer was a great opportunity to really take root in projects—old and new—and continue establishing a network in my home community ,and it was such a joy to share these projects and accomplishments with families, friends, and organizational partners at our final community presentation. We are so thankful to all that made it out to celebrate with us.
I am reminded though, that while it was a final moment for the 2011 summer program, it is far from conclusive—not only for myself but for my fellow fellows this year and last. The experiences we’ve had working with local business and nonprofits have given us tangible work experience, have taught us how to approach projects with a sense of creativity and willingness, and how to effectively juggle many commitments, schedules, and personalities. I have learned to confidently approach even ambiguous projects, and to develop and document a project by determining a timeline and a set of deliverables. These are hardly one-time skill sets, an odd assortment of tips and tricks that got me through two summers of “intern” work. These are skill sets that support me even at Wittenberg, as a student and as a community member, and I know they will also support my plans for post-graduation, and my future in a professional setting—any professional setting.
         And it has been hugely beneficial to me to learn these various skills of project management while still in college. Now back in the swing of classes and the hurried onslaught of senior year, I am realizing just how lucky I have been to gain these experiences so early on, and with so much entrusted independence (and responsibility). I look back on all of the professional relationships I have built along the way and feel confident about life after graduation. I know that this network and these experiences will serve me well when I can again return to my hometown, and I am so grateful to have established meaningful roots in the community that raised me.
         And to second Dessie, a huge thank you to Lori Williams, who has been such an encouraging manager and mentor throughout both of my summers with the Fellows program. Thanks also to Chris Schock, Mark Rembert, and Taylor Stuckert, who provided support, guidance, and advice as well.

Final Thoughts From the Fellows

It’s hard to believe that ten weeks can fly by so quickly – especially when you are having fun and helping local organizations at the same time. It seems like we were just getting to know our business and non-profit partners, and now we are exiting the other side of summer with new friends (and jobs!), strengthened community connections, and a list of accomplishments and memories that make us proud to be Clinton Community Fellows.

To commemorate our experiences, we were honored to give a final presentation to a crowd of supportive partners, business owners, government representatives, community leaders, and family members last Tuesday, August 16. We each had the opportunity to share our unique projects, favorite memories, and collaborative endeavors, and it was a great time to reflect on truly how much each of us had accomplished throughout our fellowship together. In addition to our presentation, the entire audience got to sample a delicious dinner by Kim’s Classic Diner, and the Fellows each received a gift bag full of donations and “thank yous” from our gracious partners.

Though our formal time as Fellows is coming to an end, the impact of the program reaches far beyond its ten week frame. I, for one, am looking forward to continuing my work with Cape May as one of their newest employees – all thanks to the opportunities received through the Fellows program. The biggest thanks, though, goes to Lori Williams, who remained a constant support and mentor throughout both our achievements and our challenges. Many thanks also go to Chris Schock (Regional Planning Commission) and Mark Rembert and Taylor Stuckert (Energize Clinton County) for their advice, support, and program assistance. Final thanks go to all of our business and non-profit partners, who received our ideas and projects with open minds and open arms, and the entire community of Clinton County, who makes this the best place to call home.