Lessons from Behind the Scenes: A Farewell from NaNo Intern Nina

We’re always sad to see our interns go—and they’re often sad to leave us! We’re wishing our talented interns good-bye as they move on to share their awesomeness with the rest of the world. Here’s some reflection from the fantastic Nina Henry, Programs Intern Extraordinaire:

I don’t want to leave.

As I sit here on my last day as a NaNoWriMo intern, reflecting on all that NaNoWriMo has taught me in these last four months, all I can bring myself to say is that I don’t want to leave.

I’ve had an incredible time being an intern at NaNoWriMo, and I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons about work ethic and self care, along with ways to embrace a creative, fun, welcoming work environment.

In my time as a Programs Intern at NaNoWriMo, I’ve been responsible for a lot of projects that have all added to my knowledge and understanding of what makes NaNoWriMo possible. And in learning all of these features of NaNoWriMo, I’ve grown a deeper appreciation for all they stand for. They help people of all different backgrounds become more comfortable with themselves and they encourage so many people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the writer they strive to be. I can say that, because that’s what NaNoWriMo has done for me.

Without this internship, I would have had no idea what it truly meant to take care of oneself while still delivering a strong work ethic. I really enjoyed my job here, and will carry the lessons I’ve learned along with me. I’ve learned how to better manage my time, see difficult projects through, interact with a diverse range of people, and stay the course toward my goals in life (even when they seem impossible); I’ve learned all these things while making sure I take care of myself (so I can come back in and finish those projects!)

I was even able to build a community here. Outside of working with amazing people, I was able to meet and interact with tons of talented writers who all have the same dream as me, and that’s really encouraging. Working with NaNoWriMo has been a dream (literally, I’ve always wanted to work here) and it pains me to have to say goodbye. I’ll miss every single person that works here, and I’ll miss getting to witness NaNoWriMo behind the scenes and all the work that’s put into giving people a place to be themselves.

The thing I’ll certainly take away from this experience, and the piece of advice I can give to anyone else interested in this organization, is that genuine people who are willing to help each other achieve their goals are a blessing. When they can teach you life lessons and encourage you to be your best self, all while sipping tea and having fun in the office, then you’ve struck gold; and I’ve struck gold here.

I hope everyone out there can see and feel the good that NaNoWriMo brings to the writing community. And I hope that I continue to learn lessons from them in the future as I plan my next novel! It’s been a real pleasure, and four months I’ll never forget. Here’s to the greatest internship I could ever ask for!

Farewell,

Nina Henry

Top photo modified from the original by Debby Hudson on Unsplash.