During my time as an intern at Music Forward, I have learned from the experiences, the people I have met, the relationships I have formed, and how much I have grown.
Growing up, I was a creative thinker with a good business acumen. I combined creative thinking and creativity in every artistic endeavor, such as theater, film, and writing. I managed to use my experiences, knowledge, and understanding of people, business structures, and systems for the purpose of improving someone’s life in any way I could. I realized that with my years of experience in the arts, I could utilize my natural business savviness to help other creatives thrive.
Now, being a business major at an art school, I have been able to use my personal experiences and connections to help develop artists from any background to enhance their personal narratives. No matter who they are or where they come from, it feels good to help others succeed. In the past, during my early years of high school, I had the opportunity to take art classes at a nonprofit organization that inspired me to think bigger. There, I learned how to make meaning of the world and ultimately felt like I could take on any educational pursuit afterward. That experience felt a lot like what Music Forward Foundation is doing for the community and that’s what gravitated me to want to be a part of their mission.
Specifically, I joined Music Forward as the Charitable Partnerships intern because I know the impact fundraising has on the longevity and value of programs that young people participate in, to explore career paths in the arts, hone their skills, build their sense of self, and land opportunities with mentorships, internships, and scholarships. Now that I am almost done with my internship I could not be more grateful! I have been valued and welcomed throughout this entire experience, from the interview process to my first day in the office. My supervisor Nalini Jones has been so patient with me in understanding that this was my first internship. She was committed to my growth as an individual by giving me countless opportunities to grow and challenge myself. I networked with industry professionals, developed strategies for stronger donor relationships, and assisted with virtual events. It is rewarding to be a part of an organization that cares about your growth and success as an individual. Moving forward, I will continue pursuing opportunities that allow me to make a difference in this world. As I finish up my last 2 semesters of my degree, I am enthusiastic to continue learning, utilizing my new skills, and seeing where I go next. I am thankful for the support I’ve received along my career journey from Music Forward Foundation.