The Intern's Take: A Lesson from Day One at Book Harvest
By Leyla Svay
Starting a new internship can be nerve-wracking for anyone, especially when you step into a role where expectations seem as vast as the universe of books themselves. I recently embarked on my journey with Book Harvest, eager to contribute but uncertain of where I fit in within the organization. Although I felt secure in my abilities and skill set, as an intern it is hard to gauge how much of that confidence you should bring into the office, and the last thing I wanted to do is come across as a “know-it-all.” Little did I know, the very first conversation with my boss would set the tone for my entire experience.
As I sat down with my supervisor on that first day, I anxiously posed the question that weighed on my mind: "What are you expecting from me this summer?" It's a straightforward query, but one that I felt inclined to ask because I wanted to do my job and do it well. Prior to this experience I had little knowledge on how to carry myself in a corporate setting, as none of my family members before me held a corporate position, this was completely new territory for me. The response I received, however, was refreshingly unexpected yet profoundly reassuring: "I am looking for confidence." Those words struck a chord within me. "Confidence?" I pondered silently. Now that can do!
In the weeks that followed, I found myself navigating through tasks that stretched my skills and understanding. From deciphering and organizing spreadsheets to creating digital designs to promote our annual Summer Block Party event, each day brought new opportunities to apply what I knew and to learn what I didn't. And through it all, the mantra of confidence echoed in my mind like a guiding light.
Confidence, as I discovered, isn't just about what you know; it's about how you approach the unknown. It's about being willing to take initiative, to ask questions, and to persevere even when challenges seem daunting. It's about believing that your unique perspective and efforts contribute meaningfully to the collective goals of the organization.
As I reflect on that first conversation with my boss, I realize now that her words were more than just an answer to my question. They were a subtle invitation to believe in myself, to trust in my abilities to make a difference, no matter how small my role may seem in the grand scheme of things.
Just as literacy empowers children by giving them the tools to articulate their thoughts, express their creativity, and navigate the complexities of the world, my boss encouraged me to harness my skills and creativity right from the start. These words of encouragement planted a seed of confidence in me. It was a reminder that my contributions mattered, that my skills were valuable, and that I had the capacity to make a meaningful impact.
So, to any students that may be starting their own journey—whether in an internship, a new job, or even just a new school year—remember this: embrace the uncertainty, lean into challenges, and above all, be confident in your abilities. Because sometimes, believing in yourself is the first step towards achieving something extraordinary. To Book Harvest: thank you for providing me with an amazing opportunity to learn and further my career in Public Relations. And to Benay Hicks: thank you for those words on my first day.
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