Every four months, I get the incredible opportunity to review applications and watch videos made by people who want to be part of TWLOHA’s Intern Program. I get the honor of meeting new people and hearing about the point where their story met our story. Then, I get to build a fresh team full of awesome interns with their own unique passions and backgrounds. For the Spring 2013 term, this meant a lovable Aussie, two kind and driven Canadians, an editorial prodigy from Mizzou, a Disney and basketball-loving girl from Illinois, and the coolest Californian you’ll ever meet.
This spring held many new and exciting things for TWLOHA. HEAVY AND LIGHT went from being a one-night show in Orlando to a 17-city national tour. We launched a new website. In April, we hosted our first Run For It 5K. TWLOHA celebrated its seventh anniversary. In the midst of all of that, you could find our tireless spring interns. They left their mark on these events and this organization in a big way.
On a personal note, they were also the first term I built from scratch. I had the privilege of watching them grow and learn–about themselves and each other. I watched as they were united with our TWLOHA team. In addition to being vital parts of the moments and programs I mentioned above, they also responded to over 1,500 supporter messages during their time here. It’s through these tasks that our interns represent the heart of what we do in the most tangible way.
Clair, Emily, Jacob, Jaimie, Marie, and Matt: thank you. Thank you for all you brought and all you gave. Thank you for enjoying Buffalo Wild Wings as much as the rest of us. Thank you for loving Landon and Olivia. Thank you for late night Sonic runs and 10 rounds of Mexican Train. Thank you for always picking somewhere with coffee for our one-on-one meetings. Thank you for working your butts off and for waking up way too early some days. Thank you for your enthusiasm. Thank you for your hearts.
See you soon.
All my love,
Lauren