It’s not about the work.

I mean, it definitely is in some ways, but hear me out for a minute...

At Kindling, I was able to do work that meant something. It was more than just work. I got to come to an office and assist with projects that helped make this world a better place.

It’s not just about the work. It’s about why you do it and how you do it.  

Past experiences have also taught me that I learn most not from the work I’m doing, but from the people I’m working with. I found this to be especially true at Kindling. Although I definitely did learn a great deal about how to be successful in my projects when I was focusing on them by myself, I learned even more when I took time to talk to other interns or Kindling employees.

I asked them what they were working on, I asked them if they could help me with what I was working on, I asked them about the projects they did outside the office, I asked them about why they did what they did outside the office. I asked and I asked. While I’m writing this I’m actually hoping I didn’t ask too much..?

Anyways, I asked and I learned so much about social justice, documentary work, film in general, and how to do well at life (and do life well) from these conversations.

Interning at Kindling was great. I primarily focused on getting the word out about Kindling’s No Small Matter project -- which meant I spent a lot of time learning about preschoolers and researching how to make a classroom as fun as possible. So difficult, I know. And I also got to touch on a bunch of other projects (other advertising or outreach tasks and post-production help). I did a lot.

So, to everyone reading this post and considering a future internship or job… Remember ask yourself about the why’s and the how’s. Push toward being at a place that can or eventually will lead you toward realizing and cultivating your passions. And remember to surrounding yourself with people who will actually help you get there.

It’s not always easy, but I promise you it’ll all work out eventually.