The expectation of something special         

Working with non-profit organizations is something that I have always been passionate about ever since my experience at a feeding center. Having the ability to communicate a message to an audience that isn’t familiar with an organization or company is very fulfilling to me. My way to communicate a message comes through a sector of advertisement called film and video.

February of 2017, was the first time that I’ve ever heard of Mary Free Bed, a client of mine was telling me a success story that one of his family members had at the rehabilitation hospital. After researching a little more about the non-profit rehabilitation hospital, I found that the atmosphere was friendly, warm and inviting. Definitely different from any hospital that came into my mind. Mary Free Bed is a place that doesn’t evoke nerves and instead provides a comforting environment for patients, staff, and volunteers.

I found out that a marketing internship is offered to college students. Being a Grand Valley State University student, I fit the ‘student’ status criteria. However, I didn’t major in marketing, advertising, or public relations, and that made me very nervous to even apply. It would be a little over 6 months later that I would work up the nerve to just submit an application.

Early August 2017

I lean back in my chair and let out a huge breath of air. I’ve finally submitted the application for the marketing internship through Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.

I remember feeling relieved that I could possibly be one step closer to working with such an amazing organization that really cared about helping people. Of course, there was always that voice in my head filling my mind with self-doubt because my major focused on a different sector of advertising and marketing. But I knew Mary Free Bed was the one place that I wanted to intern at, I had to have faith that I could be a part of the organization and start to make a difference.

It didn’t take them long to give me a call back to set up an interview. Nervousness and excitement were an understatement. This was my shot and I had to shoot it. After completing the interview, I realized that the marketing department wasn’t just a team, they were a family. They had each other backs and tackled challenges as one. Since I could remember, I’ve loved working with teams and brainstorming ideas that gave everyone an opportunity to contribute.

Early September 2017

I do a little dance after hanging up with human resources because I was just offered the Marketing Internship.

My expectation for this internship is that it’ll be a special experience in my life that will shape more of my future jobs to come. I get to be a part of the family and contribute innovative ideas to help promote the advancement of Mary Free Bed. I expect to learn quite a lot in these next three months. I want the ability to provide excellent communication, enhance my writing and social skills, and contribute to video ideas. I want to be able to understand marketing, advertising, and public relations much more and provide my skill set that I have learned throughout college.

I am so thrilled to be an added player on the Mary Free Bed team and I know that this experience will lead me down a road to success and personal achievements.