What I Want Out of a Job

As the days have progressed, I've noticed that I've been given more responsibility increasingly. Yesterday I fortunately was not able to come in because there was a server issue, but today I came back with full vitality and willingness to assist.

Today, after Mrs. Pettey introduced me to the Elizabeth Wheeler, Justine's managing editor, she eagerly encouraged me to tell Elizabeth about my summer plans. Although we had talked about it once over email, I was extremely surprised that Mrs. Pettey remembered something so specific to my life. Even more remarkable was that she expressed interest in other people knowing it, almost as if she was proud that her intern was participating in a public policy program¹.

While the others were eating lunch (I had eaten previously), I started thumbing through Justine's expansive book collection. One thing I love about Justine, which sets them apart from other teen magazines, is that they promote reading in every issue. When I briefly talked to Julie Weaver and overheard her talking to another intern about the newest Kylie and Kendall Jenner book (note: her desk was overflowing with books not yet released),  I could tell that she truly loved reading and had a desire to spread that love to others.

Before high school hit, I read almost a book a day and found great pleasure in it. Now that I  am overwhelmed by papers, standardized tests, reports, and numerous college preparatory worries, I have lost the time to read. I'm deeply, deeply regretful that I have not been able to read as voraciously as I had been able in my middle school days, so I revere Justine greatly for encouraging kids to read. They really reach out and saying, "Yes. Reading is cool!"

Even if I don't pursue a career in the magazine industry, I know that this internship has greatly impacted my vision for what I want my career to look like. The positive atmosphere that Justine cultivates encourages me to seek out those workplaces that have the same enthusiasm....That is the purpose of internship - to figure out what you want as you grow older.

Check back later as I continue my journey as a Justine intern!

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1 From June 22nd to July 19th I will be in Washington, DC participating in St. Albans School of Public Service. Click on "SPS Webpage" for more information SPS Webpage