The Joy of Learning: My Internship Experience in Review

On the 22nd day of July, 2024, an opportunity to further enhance my writing skills and open doors to a new continent I had been hoping to explore sprung up and I jumped at it! Filled with delight, I was so happy I informed my number one supporter who was my mom and she wished me well. The first task came and I was asked to research on and write an article titled “The impact of Social Media on Mental Heath”. I was filled with so much energy that I started work. I was writing and writing and patting myself on the back. I submitted and it was acknowledged and I was especially looking forward to seeing something uploaded with my name (journalist name though) — The Unwavering Pen — as the byline.

At this juncture, my first and most important lesson I learnt in the few months I got. I saw about 23 suggestions or corrections and what had come to my mind was “Jesus, how did she see 23 places i made mistake?” I was sure I was misjudged till i open the reviewed document. I saw corrections that opened my eyes to the little details i forgot to add. I was amazed and I kept wondering how she saw all of these. I was immediately happy as I found someone who showed me what to be on the lookout for. At thirst point, I knew it was going to be an amazing ride.

         I was also working with my Dad as the NYSC programme had not yet begun and I had to keep myself busy. I embraced this internship because I wanted to multitask doing things I love and more importantly, doing them efficiently. I always told myself “little things are little things, but they matter a lot.” My supervisor was so concerned about me being able to handle the dual-faceted life. I was so happy I found the balance I sought after. My keen eye for detail began to tune itself and I found myself going through my articles and making sure I was okay to be reviewed, but there were always corrections. I was very happy because as time went by, she wasn't really repeating her corrections which showed improvement. I was reading people's research and I was amazed with their works, and I saw the corrections she wanted me to take note of in other works. Reading and writing had started to seem like respiration for me. Inhalation and exhalation. Reading and writing. 

        At the beginning of my internship, I read the rules and I saw the number of articles an intern was to have by the end of the programme and I said to myself “this is doable”. However, upon our first review on number of articles, I was at 5, like others, while a certain intern was able that number. I didn't know we could do extra like I wanted to. Then I made it a target for myself to have written 15 articles at the end of my internship. I'm somewhat disappointed I didn't get there but I knew I could. However, with this publication, I'll have 13 articles by the grace of God.

       There's no way I won't mention the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) that was incorporated into our programme. I'm not too good in crafts but I said I was going to do it one way or the other. The first one was so hilarious I laughed out so hard, but I still use it even till today. The second one was better after trying and trying. 

       I'm not too good at goodbyes but I'll say this, it was a pleasure to have worked with very wonderful people. A huge thanks to my editor, Ms. Gabson Chidubem Mary-Immaculata, who has been and will always be a wonderful friend of mine. She knows when to be a friend and when to be my supervisor. A big shoutout to my wonderful teammates whom I've read their work and I love. I want to thank especially Jemima, the two Praise and Eudorah. Their works are very beautiful. I worked on a group work and it was beautiful rubbing minds with them.

It was a pleasure to have been part of an amazing experience!!!