I have a confession: as TWLOHA’s intern program director, this kind of blog is my least and most favorite to write (a million thanks to our long-suffering editor, Alyce). It’s my least favorite because it means another intern term has come to an end. But it’s also my favorite because it means there are six people going back into their communities, taking with them all that they’ve learned about loving others and themselves. They’re returning to continue chasing their dreams. To make a difference. To keep telling their stories.
Conn: Our Batman. Thank you for your willingness to do what needed to be done. Thank you for constant FedEx runs. Thank you for giving us the honor of knowing you. You have a gift. Please keep writing. Your words breathe life and bless all who read them. Continue being true to the man you are and keep chasing that horizon.
Joe: The glue. Thank you for making us feel like a family from the start. Thank you for your honesty and commitment to being the best you can be. Thank you for singing Lady Antebellum at the top of your lungs with the windows down. Your heart for people makes others want to be better. Keep giving that part of yourself away. Stay vulnerable and contemplative. And never forget: West Coast, best coast. For life.
Rachel: What was my life like before I heard your laugh? I don’t even remember! Thank you for your love of inventory. Thank you for sharing your heart with this team. Thank you for long talks after everyone else went to bed. Thank you for giving me another little sister.
Rebecca: My nerdy kindred spirit. Thank you for being here 100 percent, from day one. Thank you for putting up with my constant shoulder-tapping at the table. Keep your quirks; they bring more delight to people than you could ever realize. Your quiet wisdom never ceases to amaze me.
Sam: Sweet Sam. Thank you for believing that redemption is always possible. Thank you for your transparency. If I could sum you up in a word, it would be “genuine.” Your heart is truly one of a kind. You are one of the warmest souls I have ever encountered.
Shannon: Our little Italian. Thank you for enduring our Florida bugs. Thank you for always driving us toward the next adventure. Thank you for introducing us to canoli cake. Thank you for opening your heart to us and letting us see that side of you. We are blessed to know you.
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We covered a lot of miles in the Sunshine State over the course of the last 12 weeks. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: as much as I would love to keep all of our interns here, that would be selfish. You have such bright futures, and I can’t wait to see where your journeys take you. I tell you this, just as you have told it to so many others: we are with you every step of the way. We carry your stories with us, and you will always be a part of ours.
All my love,
“LoLo”
Lauren Gloyne, TWLOHA Intern Program Director
Are you interested in being an intern with TWLOHA? Learn more about the program and how to apply here.