Reflections on my summer internship at Lake Erie Ink
By Nina Kerr, August 2018
Although I haven’t ever seriously considered teaching children as a job prospect, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed working with kids. They are both hilarious and wise, deeply thoughtful and silly, and open-minded to trying new and interesting things in such an inspiring way.
As a full-time college student for most of the year, it is always tempting to let the summertime be a time for idleness. I rationalize my lazy summers by believing that it is necessary to have some downtime to balance the stress and difficulty of the academic year (an ideal that has often got me into a pattern of thinking which justifies getting out of my pajamas as a noteworthy daily task). This summer, my last summer as an undergraduate student, I decided it would be in my best interest, both for my resume and for my happiness, to do something that matters. Now, as I wrap up my time at Lake Erie Ink, I can easily say that I definitely found the meaningful summer I was looking for, and much much more.
As an intern, I have been able to work alongside teachers at various summer camps, both in the greater Cleveland area and on site at LEI. In this, I have been able to witness first hand what makes this such a special place. Although I haven’t ever seriously considered teaching children as a job prospect, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed working with kids. They are both hilarious and wise, deeply thoughtful and silly, and open-minded to trying new and interesting things in such an inspiring way. When asked to do different crafts or write from different prompts, I was always amazed at the interesting and unique products the students created. I also got to see the process of building a creative community from start to finish each week, and by the end of each camp, I was sad to have to say goodbye to the students who had easily become new friends.
On the flip side, I have also been able to experience the “behind-the-scenes” work that is necessary for creating a smooth running non-profit organization—things such as reading through student and parent evaluations, sorting and organizing supplies so that the teachers have easier access to the materials they need, and learning the importance of thoughtful communication about what can make the summer programs as successful and enjoyable as possible.
But what really made my summer LEI so rewarding was more than just getting to do the work that makes this place the special place that it is; it was the spirit of welcome and warmth I experienced both from the staff and teachers, and from the students I worked with. Every time I walked into an LEI space, whether it was an offsite library classroom, or the back office of the organization, I felt a sense of openness and kindness, a desire to connect with others, and an overall supportive, positive attitude from everyone. Now, I can go into my final year of undergrad with a clearer vision of what I want for my future. Although I am still figuring out exactly what that looks like, I now know, after spending my summer at LEI, that I definitely want to build a future in which I not only get to express my own creativity, but also one in which I can help others find the time, space, and courage to express theirs as well. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity that I was given this summer, and will always keep Lake Erie Ink in a special place in my heart.