Monday, June 22, 2009
my life as a summer intern: part 2
Week 2 has come and gone and it's already the start of week 3! I cannot believe how fast time is flying - it's almost July already! I knew this summer would go by fast but this is ridiculous. I'm definitely getting more comfortable around my team at work and have very little inhibition when it comes to chatting with them about their weekends, asking questions, and asking them for stuff to do. Everyone is noticeably older than me (the youngest one may be between 28-30. Okay, maybe that's not too old) but I still feel like I can relate to them well (some more than others) and I am blessed by how friendly and accepting they are of me.
My actual work flow has slowed down a bit since the first week. I haven't attended as many meetings and although my manager still takes time to teach me and explain concepts, he is asking me more and more to consult the other team members to help with any projects they have on their plates. I don't mind this but I just wish my team would actually have stuff to give me when I ask. It's one of those things where they mean well but they get to be so busy that it would take more time to explain how to do something and answer my questions, than if they were to just do it themselves.
Because of this, I've decided that I need to be more proactive in emailing others in different groups within the firm and plan meetings or lunch. It's important to me (and my manager) to learn as much as possible from other people and get the best insight and perspective about VLB as possible before the summer is over. That's a whole lot easier said than done though. My biggest inhibition, by far, is that I'll go to the trouble to meet with somebody that's way smarter than me only to understand a mere 15-20% of what they actually tell me. I wish I were more confident in myself that I can still hold an intelligent conversation with someone, even if I understand very little of what they tell me. Plus, there's a good chance I'll understand more than 20%... maybe??
This past week also marked the start of growing friendships. It was week 2 of our little summer intern community group that Daniel had a vision for back in April and May. After getting the blessing from a pastor at church, Daniel shared this vision with me when I first moved to NYC and we decided to go for it - see if students interning here for the summer were interested in studying the Bible and living life together in the City. Very quickly and easily, God brought 5 girls and 1 guy into our lives who are thirsty for community and the Word of God. Daniel has graciously hosted the group both weeks in a conference room at his office in midtown and our meetings have been the highlight of all of our weeks. We adore Daniel as our leader for his wisdom, exhortation, and testimonies which has affirmed all of us that we are in NYC for a purpose that is greater than we know. It's been so beautiful to talk about Jesus right in the middle of a City - in the middle of a building - that so desperately needs Him.
Funny enough, all of us go to school in Texas and 4 of the 5 girls plus the guy are all from the same school and are great friends. They are all wonderfully accepting, kind, genuine and so, so joyful. It usually takes me some time to warm up to people but I can honestly say that I love these people already. I admire their character and the way they long to know Jesus more. Without a doubt, this summer is the start of some beautiful friendships. I'm excited that we will get to learn from each other all summer long through our weekly meetings.
Lastly, I have decided this summer, I am going to practice the Sabbath. I've never made a good effort to do this before but after some emotional ups and downs last week (and the fact that I don't have to study for tests!!!), I decided that I need an evening to myself and to be alone with the Lord. I need time to pray and let my thoughts run without interruption. I need time that I don't feel guilty about NOT being with someone else, whether that's Daniel or church friends, or people from work. I've designated Mondays nights as my Sabbath and am excited for what God has to show me through it.
My actual work flow has slowed down a bit since the first week. I haven't attended as many meetings and although my manager still takes time to teach me and explain concepts, he is asking me more and more to consult the other team members to help with any projects they have on their plates. I don't mind this but I just wish my team would actually have stuff to give me when I ask. It's one of those things where they mean well but they get to be so busy that it would take more time to explain how to do something and answer my questions, than if they were to just do it themselves.
Because of this, I've decided that I need to be more proactive in emailing others in different groups within the firm and plan meetings or lunch. It's important to me (and my manager) to learn as much as possible from other people and get the best insight and perspective about VLB as possible before the summer is over. That's a whole lot easier said than done though. My biggest inhibition, by far, is that I'll go to the trouble to meet with somebody that's way smarter than me only to understand a mere 15-20% of what they actually tell me. I wish I were more confident in myself that I can still hold an intelligent conversation with someone, even if I understand very little of what they tell me. Plus, there's a good chance I'll understand more than 20%... maybe??
This past week also marked the start of growing friendships. It was week 2 of our little summer intern community group that Daniel had a vision for back in April and May. After getting the blessing from a pastor at church, Daniel shared this vision with me when I first moved to NYC and we decided to go for it - see if students interning here for the summer were interested in studying the Bible and living life together in the City. Very quickly and easily, God brought 5 girls and 1 guy into our lives who are thirsty for community and the Word of God. Daniel has graciously hosted the group both weeks in a conference room at his office in midtown and our meetings have been the highlight of all of our weeks. We adore Daniel as our leader for his wisdom, exhortation, and testimonies which has affirmed all of us that we are in NYC for a purpose that is greater than we know. It's been so beautiful to talk about Jesus right in the middle of a City - in the middle of a building - that so desperately needs Him.
Funny enough, all of us go to school in Texas and 4 of the 5 girls plus the guy are all from the same school and are great friends. They are all wonderfully accepting, kind, genuine and so, so joyful. It usually takes me some time to warm up to people but I can honestly say that I love these people already. I admire their character and the way they long to know Jesus more. Without a doubt, this summer is the start of some beautiful friendships. I'm excited that we will get to learn from each other all summer long through our weekly meetings.
Lastly, I have decided this summer, I am going to practice the Sabbath. I've never made a good effort to do this before but after some emotional ups and downs last week (and the fact that I don't have to study for tests!!!), I decided that I need an evening to myself and to be alone with the Lord. I need time to pray and let my thoughts run without interruption. I need time that I don't feel guilty about NOT being with someone else, whether that's Daniel or church friends, or people from work. I've designated Mondays nights as my Sabbath and am excited for what God has to show me through it.
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