Contributor: Amy McInnes, Austin Allies Intern (Final Post!)
Dear Austin Allies,
Our Final Team Meeting with Amy, 12/4/20
First off, I want to say thank you. Thank you to the Austin Allies community for welcoming me with open arms. Thank you to Erika and Marjory for introducing me into the world of nonprofit organizations and allowing me to grow alongside the both of you.
I knew that acquiring an internship would be the hardest part of fulfilling my requirements to graduate college. This summer I spent countless hours looking for internship opportunities that fit my interests while also working with the schedule of a part-time food service employee and full-time college student. I applied to many organizations, wrote and rewrote my resume, gently crafted personal statements, but none of the positions I applied for accepted me. I was losing steam and motivation as the fall semester of my senior year of college was approaching. Then my mom, Rachel McInnes (BookPeople representative to the Austin Allies bookclub), presented me with the opportunity to get in touch with Erika Nowlin, the co-creator of Austin Allies. They had talked about me potentially being an intern for Austin Allies, and I was over the moon about the idea. My major, Communication, with an emphasis in P.R. and Advertising, had prepared me enough to get a job in a for-profit company. I wasn’t prepared to work for a nonprofit organization, but I was ready to try. I cannot tell you how thankful I am that my internship worked out. Not only am I able to graduate college now, but I also got to work with the most amazing organization and have the time of my life doing it.
When I first started out with Austin Allies I felt out of place, like I didn’t belong since I had no prior experience in working with nonprofits. Thankfully, I had two of the most amazing, powerful, and intelligent women to guide me through my time at Austin Allies. Erika and Marjory, my internship experience couldn’t have been any more enjoyable, and it’s thanks to both of you. Marjory, your ideas and love for your community inspire me to continue to do good everyday. If the world could have your positivity and creativity, the world would be a much brighter place. You’ve lit up every Zoom meeting I’ve attended and your laugh is infectious. Your eagerness to help is inspiring and I can only hope to be as incredible as you are. Erika, thank you so much for taking a chance on me. How much you love your job is how I hope to be when I enter the job force. You are one of the most kind and understanding people I’ve met, and your heart is bigger than the garage that is always filled to the brim with diapers. I could not have asked for a better mentor in my internship, you were everything I could’ve asked for and more. Thank you for teaching me and guiding me these past few months, I am a better person now because of what you’ve taught me. I wish nothing but the best to both Erika and Marjory, to see two impactful women succeed is life changing, and it can only get better.
The work that Austin Allies does is incredible and unmatched. From every bra washed, to every book that was stickered and sorted, to even the bundling of diapers, every action is powerful. The kindness we show others reflects on our character, and the world needs kinder people to brighten the world a little more everyday. It might not seem like much in the moment but volunteering speaks volumes, and I am so proud to be a part of such a loving, accepting, and inspiring community. Working with Austin Allies helped narrow my decision of where I’d like to enter the job force, and I want to continue to work for nonprofit organizations. The work that is done by nonprofits is incredible and the feeling of gratitude is overwhelming. I enjoyed every second I worked with Austin Allies. From every late night spent writing a blog post, to every note I took during our Zoom meetings, to even the spreadsheets, every piece of my experience with Austin Allies was a dream come true.
There is no way to express my gratitude towards Austin Allies, this organization is life changing. If I could take away anything from my experience, it would be that kindness is always the best option. In a world filled with uncertainties and disagreements, choosing to show kindness to people is one small way to make the community you live in a better place for everyone. When one person succeeds, we all succeed, and it all can stem from showing someone kindness. The time I’ve spent with Austin Allies are memories I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. So, thank you.