now that the semester has begun and my internship is officially over i want to take this time to reflect on the importance of the great 70ish days that i spent at Special Olympics Louisiana.
my summer started off with the usual new place syndrome where you have to learn all about everything that happens, learn the codes to the copier, the acronyms that everyone uses, learn the layout of the building, the attitudes and temperaments of everyone in the office, learn, learn, learn...
as the summer rolled on great connections were made with people that impacted my life in ways that they will never truly know. whether it was morning chats about the night before or contemplations on life's larger issues there was always someone to turn to and talk to. i truly gained more of an understanding about why this wonderful people do what they do as i got to know them.
SOLA is more than just an organization, its a family. the atmosphere and environment is laid back, yet busy all at once. there are laughs to be shared but also work that is conquered with the help of one another. as events came and went i got to see how our athletes truly enjoyed the work that we did with them and for them. it was all starting to make sense.
the athletes are the reason for each and everyone's position whether it be the people planning the programs or the people making the money, everything is rooting in the joy that these athletes have when they are participating in sport. sport and our athletes are the heart of what everyone does. the reason you come in early or stay late or just simply show up everyday. its for them.
camps came and went and that is went i truly got to interact with athletes and learn patience, organization, logistics, safety, you name any real hands on lesson and that was what i took away from those long days of camp in the heat and the rain.. but no matter what it was the time for me to step out of my comfort zone and take part in new sports with new people and just get the chance to learn about the day to day activities for a person with intellectual disabilities.
my summer personally brought about challenges because of the goals that i had set for myself, but also because of the events that just occur in life. whether it was relationship struggles or just achieving a new level of openness, i wanted to tackle each obstacle i ran into or set up for myself head on. with the help of one person in particular i achieved my goal or openness and breaking a shell of simply talking about the things that matter. with that i began to realize that in order to truly lead and learn you have to be willing to give and take..
although my summer was full of great experiences it did have to come to an end and i did have to say my goodbyes.. it was a bittersweet day to say goodbye, but the people that changed my life have stayed in contact with me and are still there for me to turn to when i need them. and i truly appreciate the bonds that have been created and hope they always stay strong.
SOLA has a special place in my heart because i learned a lot from the organization but my time there allowed me to grow personally and professionally. i mean really, how many people at the age of 21 can honestly say they interned with an organization that allowed you to organize an event from the ground up, help with day to day operations, grow as a person, see the ins and outs of public relations, talk with the CEO about resumes and interviews, raise $1000 to rappel down the side of a 26 story building, fly in a helicopter, shoot a machine gun...
