By Jessica Trozzi, Business / Communication Intern, YMCA of the Pines
I can hardly believe how fast the past three months have flown by! I’ve been lucky enough to dive into the role of Business/ Communications Intern at YMCA of the Pines and it’s been such a rewarding experience. I’m now heading into my senior year at Rowan University, where I’m majoring in Communications. Initially, I was uncertain about my career direction, it was in my sophomore year that I found my path in communications. The creativity, the ability to connect with people and the opportunity to make a difference truly resonated with me. Stepping into my first hands-on role in this industry has been incredibly exciting and I’m eager to share the growth and insights I’ve gained from this internship experience!
During my interview with Suzanne Williams, she told me stories about the positive impact YMCA of the Pines has had on many kids. The more we talked, the more I knew this was something I would love to be a part of. Growing up, I attended a camp that left a lasting impression on me, so the idea of contributing to a similar environment felt like coming full circle. My internship consisted of 10 weeks filled with diverse responsibilities; one of my favorite highlights was writing blogs and getting my first piece published! Each day presented new challenges and learning opportunities which showed me this organization not only helps campers explore, grow, thrive, but the staff members as well.
I had the opportunity to explore, grow, and thrive in various aspects during my time here. I explored new responsibilities, growing my creative abilities, which expanded my skill set. I explored YMCA of the Pines operations to enhance my customer service skills which made me realize the impact of excellent customer service, emphasizing the importance of even small improvements. I thrived by boosting my confidence in communication and adapting to challenges. I developed resilience and problem-solving skills, making meaningful contributions and exceeding expectations. I also set SMART goals at the beginning of my internship, through setting and achieving these goals, I demonstrated leadership and initiative, laying a strong foundation for my career and assisting me in my explore, grow, thrive journey at YMCA of the Pines.
In closing, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the incredible experience I’ve had at YMCA of the Pines. From the supportive atmosphere to the genuine recognition of my contributions, I’ve experienced a level of appreciation that I believe will be difficult to find elsewhere. This internship has been more than just a learning opportunity; it has been a journey of personal and professional growth. I’ve been inspired by the dedication and kindness of everyone here and I am profoundly grateful for the chance to contribute to such a meaningful mission. The lessons I’ve learned, the skills I’ve developed and the relationships I’ve built during these three months will stay with me throughout my career. I feel truly fortunate to have been part of a team that truly values its mission. Thank you for your guidance and for making this such a memorable and impactful experience. I look forward to carrying the lessons and inspiration I’ve gained here into all my future endeavors. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity! EXPLORE. GROW. THRIVE.
