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Memorable Experience

Written by Faria, intern at the Center for Architecture and Design

It is the second to last week of my internship. So far we’ve been working on creating new workshops for the weekend workshops. However, today was different. Today was the first time where were actually communicating with the summer camp kids. It was also our first time meeting them. I was able to facilitate my own workshop for the prek-12 students and I was proud of my work. We taught them about map symbols and how important they are in the real world. Then we gave them instructions on how to do my activity and they had fun doing it. Unlike other days where we never met the guests that come to our center, today we were able to meet them since it was on our workdays. Also, I’m excited to be facilitating my own workshop this weekend where many new people will be attending!

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Thinking

Written by Kyla, intern at InterACT

As I sit at the desk that’s not mine,

I think of a way to make the day productive.

I tap my pencil and fiddle with my rings,

Take a sip of water and stretch my legs.

What am I going to do?

How am I going to do this?

I think of an idea and write it down,

Holding onto the thought.

I confirm with my partner

To make sure we can do it,

Taking the day into our hands.  

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Written by Kalah, intern at Historic Philadelphia

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Historic Philadelphia reflection

Written by Alliyah, intern at Historic Philadelphia

At historic philadelphia there is a diverse amount of ways they teach history and make history fun for all ages. Most interesting part about historic philadelphia in my opinion are their story telling benches. There are 13 benches in the Philadelphia district, In each bench they have a story teller who is a actor telling a historic story and interpreting the entire time. I as a teen even find these so interesting i learn something new every bench I go to. Historic philadelphia gives people a star for every storytelling bench they go to. Once someone reaches 10 stars they’ll get a free ride on the carousel!!!

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Creative reflection by CC

Written by CC, intern at InterACT

My experience in working with InterAct has been an interesting one. Considering this is my very first job experience, I didn’t know what to expect. However, I’ve learned how to do many new skills from working here. I learned how to look for trends on a website, I learned a lot about filming and cinematography, as well as enhancing my research skills.

However, even though I learned a lot of things, I feel like I’m not contributing a lot to the company. I know little to nothing about theater so I feel bad for my supervisors having someone who knows basically nothing. I feel like I’m benefiting from the work they give me, but I feel like everyone else isn’t benefiting from me.

Despite this, I don’t regret working for InterAct. My experience has been a positive one and I’m glad I was able to use this time to gain some experience.

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Drawing and writing by Lucie, intern at the Academy of Natural Sciences

For my reflection, I drew a picture of me and what I usually do on a daily basis at my worksite. I included how I play with the campers every morning and afternoon, and I tried to include a lot of dinosaurs in my drawing, cause that is the basis of the museum. We go on a trip every week, but I did not include each one, I feel like the school bus was symbolic of all of them.

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Artistic Reflection

Photos and writing by Marina, intern at Asian Arts Initiative

A complex ambiance, of what is supposed to be of keyboards clattering, and forced laughter

Is not and is instead lighthearted laughter, and the sharing of knowledge and wisdom,

Should it be only the clacking of heels against pavement? And hushed tones and whispers

Or can it be eyes sprinkling of excitement, and determination of getting the task done?

However it should be, others walk in reveling in the comfort and love in the atmosphere.

Vivid colors, soft brush stokes, children’s eyes illuminating at the tour guides.

Cool air, elegantly pressed clothes, the words that cannot be said pressed onto the paintings.

Too fragile to touch, but not to inspect and dissect.

The children abuzz at what could be present themes,

lighthearted laughter and chatter filling the air

A pitch black painted room, but bright lights flashing

Extremely cool temperature, groups of children filling the chairs.

Excited to learn what they will learn, they all chatter.

Watching from professionals, they sink into the knowledge and absorb.

They are inexplicably lost and uncertain about the future,

But for the moment, they all relax and observe.

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“Who I am?”

Written by Jael, intern at The African American Museum in Philadelphia

Working at the African American Museum I feel that I discovered who I truly am I am Jael DeVose,with a secret middle name.

I am a String Theory student who has passed the 11th grade. I am a woman with a fiery soul and passion like no other. I am a daughter of beautiful parents with a loving sister and brothers. I am a teen that runs on coffee and inspiration I let all negativity drive my determination I am a vocalist that never ever fails to sing Letting my emotions and my freedom of expression ring I can marathon Terminator and Star Wars too And debate how the worst movie was Episode 2 I am a girl obsessed with every perfume And clothes and bands and bags and shoes I am crazy and at times I can get very bored I get frustrated when I feel that I’m being ignored I refuse to suppress my true identity

And stop listening to others but listen to me But they look at me and forget the importance is within They forget the importance of looking beyond the skin They see “ one of those black girls” not my black girl magic They see my sassiness as ratchetness, my upbringing as tragic I get labeled as ghetto for exercising my rights But if I’m not apparently I’m acting too white Though I’m just “another black women” to the public eye. I promise I’m much more just come up and say hi.

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Refction by Kyra, intern at Philadelphia Young Playwrights

When I first started this program, I didn’t know what to expect and what I would be doing here. I was really nervous to be around people I never met before. It also felt weird being the only one from my school when everyone else seemed to know each other from their schools. Thankfully, everyone is very nice and some of us shared similar interests. I’m interning at the Philadelphia Young Playwrights were my job is to critique elementary students play for a contest. I wasn’t sure if would like the job I was given because I’m not really interested in playwriting and I don’t like writing. I was honestly surprised, I really love this job. I found it to be really fun to critique the plays. The workers at worksite are very nice and very helpful. Mindy and Lisa have been pointing out that I have the role of a dramaturge, who’s job is to edit facts and to consult with the authors. Throughout the play I read I kept pointing major and minor fact that didn’t make sense or didn’t fit with the time period or the settings. Mindy has been helping me create dialogue for my element characters. It’s still a little bit hard to come up with lines, but I’m making progress. The site visits so far have been very enjoyable. I feels good to get out of you workplace and checking the museums and interview the people who work there. Over all, I’m having a good experience at the Bloomberg Art Internship program, it takes me out of my comfort zone and teaches me important fact I need to know in the future.

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Drawing and writing by Tracy, intern at Carpenter’s Hall

A week for me at Carpenters' Historic Hall involves research, through Google searches and telephone calls, eating Chinese food, and having a fluctuating emotional psyche. Although it may sound lackluster, it is a very fulfilling experience. On Mondays, I'm always eager and excited for work. I'm excited to make a change in the community in a positive way and find out more about myself during that time of isolation. On Tuesdays, I'm tired and usually asking myself, "Why do I have to do this?", but then, I look forward to the benefits of my research and my mood fluctuates back into an eager and ecstatic state. On Wednesdays, I feel defeated because of spending a whole week trying to finish one project, but I take the time to think about how helpful and impactful my work would be even after the internship is over and I turn my frown upside down. I always want to get things done fast and efficiently, but through this day every week, I learn that good things come with time. However, for the rest of the week, I am with my friends and I experience different emotions for different reasons. On Thursdays, I'm excited to see my fellow interns after a long half of the week filled with isolation and hard work. On Fridays, I am content and at peace. I take the time to self-reflect and get excited for the next work week and begin to look forward to it. All of this is to say that although days or assignments may seem tedious or vapid, it is important to always find the good in them. Looking forward to the good things in your day or your week, helps it go by so much faster, as well as make you a more effective worker. I believe that having a positive attitude and having a motivator to work towards is a very important mindset to have. This mindset is what carried me through my time at Carpenters' Historic Hall, through this internship as a whole, and will eventually carry me through my adult life.

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Written by Theresa, intern at the Center for Architecture and Design

Every morning, when I get on the El train, I never know what kind of knowledge I’ll encounter next. From a bird’s-eye-view, I know that college is an expensive ordeal that is part of the future, but from  perspective, college is in my near future and it entails so much more than I could’ve ever seen that If I looked down at it from a top center view. Every day, I have learned something new that I can use in my young adult life. Every morning, when I get on the El train, I come to know new things that I’ll encounter next.

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We Wear the Mask (reprised)

Written by Hunter, intern at the National Constitution Center

I wore my mask for oh so long

I did not believe I could be strong I closed my eyes expecting jeers

Only to be welcomed by peers

I met a whole new world from a far

And felt what it was like to be a star

To have people wanting you around

And a cause I've desired; now found

To speck with educators and politicians on par

Has been my biggest wish by far

Having the passion to have all my goals achieved

Now being able to start a slow weave

Of my path and all that's put to task I can gladly now destroy my mask 

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Narrating my experiences at Asian Arts Initiative

Written by Victoria, intern at Asian Arts Initiative

asian arts initiative

a safe haven for those who don’t belong

neither here nor there

I remember my first time at the Asian Arts Initiative building. It was 10 AM on Wednesday, June 05 and I was there to meet my supervisor, Catherine. I remember walking past the building before, on my way to Chinatown from the Broad Street Line Race-Vine station. This time though, I actually went inside the building. I barely made it on time but was confused as to which door led to the building. I ended up going into the Mural Arts entrance before backtracking immediately. 

When I finally made it into the AAI office, I was slightly underwhelmed. There was no immediate impression. It was neither horrible run-down nor lavishly decorated office. It just looked plain. I was led past the Abolition Now exhibit through a short hallway and straight into the Black Box theater. I followed behind anxiously as I fidgeted with my hands. It felt like a job interview even though I had already gotten the job. I looked around while waiting. I was in a huge open space that served as a theater and there were tables used as office space scattered with the majority of the space being scarcely occupied. The wall I was facing was a bright teal green with butterfly stickers.

 I thought to myself, “How tacky.”

My anxiety only heightened as I waited for my supervisor. I wasn’t sure what I expected. Based off my first impression of the space, I certainly didn’t expect extreme professionalism. Right as the fourth minute passed - I was keeping track - my supervisor returned. Catherine was rubbing her eyes while holding a cup of steaming coffee. Any remaining thoughts of professionalism immediately came crashing down. The talk went by relatively quickly after that. I was told more about the organization and my hours. Nonetheless, my idea of AAI or what I would be doing at AAI was still foggy at best. 

My second time at AAI on July 01 was a completely different experience in a good way. I met up with my fellow intern, Marina, on my way out of Market-Frankford Line 13th Street Station. We both discussed our fears and concerns during the walk to the office.

“Do you know what we’re going to be doing?” she asked, eyes wide open with curiosity. 

“To be honest, not really. They didn’t really tell me much at the first meeting,” I responded with an equal amount of curiosity.

The curiosity wasn’t particularly fulfilled as we spent our first day mostly reading through a big box known as the intern box full of old documents detailing the history of AAI. Fortunately, it wasn’t all reading. As soon as we walked into the office, I was pleasantly surprised by a familiar face. A classmate and friend was introduced to me as a fellow intern starting the same day. She was the one that convinced Catherine to release us from the readings. Catherine and some other staff ended up taking us to the Rail Park. Everyone was introduced, we did ice breakers and even had an impromptu pop quiz about AAI. I left that day feeling a lot more confident about being at AAI.

My sixteenth time at AAI on July 31 is again vastly different from both the first and second time. Now, I feel a sense of belonging and even home when I step into the office. Walking through the same short hallway I can now recognize the burst of cold air from the air conditioning vent right at the corner. The teal wall is still tacky, but I've grown to tolerate it and am even slightly fond of it. I can look everyone in the eye and greet them with their name (after a few weeks of memorizing names) as I walk towards the designated intern table. I feel a sense of comfort being greeted by my fellow interns. There is a sense of familiarity when everyone shares what they did over the weekend. There is ringing laughter when someone jokes with Catherine. There are now inside jokes and actual conversations.

“Good job at Make Art Philly today. Everyone did great even though it was sooooo hot, so I bought these for everyone!” Catherine exclaims while holding up two boxes of popsicles.

“I can’t eat them. Catherine, how could you forget that I’m allergic to milk!” one of the interns says immediately.

  Lunch is no longer a quiet affair and now all of the interns - even the college ones - exchange Instagrams, stories, and laughter. 

“I still can’t believe you called us OLD. We’re only like 2 years older than you.” the college interns complain for the sixth time this week.

“I didn’t MEAN it. I just can’t believe you confused Billie Eilish with Ariana Grande.” I reply while laughing

Everyone laughs when Catherine stutters over her apology while promising to buy something else next time. 

My time at Asian Arts Initiative fostered a sense of community that extends beyond the interns or even the staff. It extends to the community we serve whether it be Asian American artists we host in our residency project, or the Callowhill Chinatown North community we are a part of, or even just the random visitors that come to see our exhibition. 

asian arts initiative

a physical space fostering communities of all sorts using art

belonging to those who need it

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Art and writing by Oona, intern at Fleisher

This is is my creative art reflection, it’s a compilation of memorable activities I did at Fleisher Art Memorial. We started our first week off by organizing art carts for teachers to use and bring to classes. Then we decorated them with paint, making them much more kid friendly. We also organized the entire bookshelf on the second floor, to separate them into a kids section and an adult section, allowing anyone to find a book of their interest. Colin started this before me, but we both went to Jackson, a different school, to do art activities with a summer camp. And my first time there, we cut out wings and helped the kids decorate them. But throughout the whole time, I’ve been working with kids at Fleisher as a teaching assistant. So I help with their art activities and cleaning up and just being with them. I’ve grown really fond of them and love to play with them. And our latest project was to make a tour guide and scavenger hunt of the sanctuary, for a group of school kids that came on Wednesday. We took photos ourselves and put them in.

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Drawing and writing by Emmett, intern at Johnson House

Over the several weeks that I have been working at the Johnson House, much of it was either tending to the garden in the back of the house or doing research on my project.  A project, by the way, that has to with the categorizing of plant life in Philadelphia/Germantown over time.  Due to this fact, I thought I should express how much of my time has been spent looking up information on trees, weeds, flowers, etc.  The sprout growing out of the screen is supposed to represent that my work has yielded physical results, in both the garden and my project.

NOTE: The cracked screen has no symbolic meaning.  It just seemed fitting when considering the fact that a plant is growing out of a computer screen.

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Drawing of a media kit by Ancil, intern at CultureWorks

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Photo and Writing by Colin, intern at Fleisher Art Memorial

Working at Fleisher Art Memorial was probably one of the best ways to spend my summer. I am very glad that I got picked for this worksite. When I first came to Fleisher, my supervisors came smiling and greeted me in; it immediately made me felt like home. She then began to talk about the projects that I could work on during the next few weeks, and it all sounded very fun and exciting.  When I officially began my first week at Fleisher, my partner and I put together and decorate supply carts for teachers and students to use. It was really fun and exciting. Later on, I started to help out as an assistant teacher at CPA (Community Partnership in Arts) for 4 weeks on Mondays and Tuesdays in the afternoons. The kids were mostly 5-9 years old. During this period, the students were able to learn many different forms of arts such as ceramics. At the same time, I was able to learn from them on how to be a responsible person as well as a good communicator.

My supervisors would check on us almost every day to make sure that we are working on something that we like; I really appreciate having strong communication with my supervisors. Recently, my partner and I created a brochure and a scavenger hunt about the sanctuary at my worksite, and we are still currently working on a video about how a day in the summer at Fleisher is like.In the end, I enjoy my time at Fleisher and learn a lot from this worksite.

Here is a photo of a project that we worked on.