Signing off...

What were the most important things you learned from this internship? Look back to your first blog post. Did you meet your initial goals? Why or why not?

Wow! I can't believe my time at the Town of Gilbert is coming to an end! Where does the time go? I can't help but feel sad that I will be leaving in the next few weeks. As I reflect on my internship this fall, I can't help but think of a quote from one of my favorite musicals, Wicked. The lead character turns to her best friend and says:

Well, I whole heartedly believe this is true, because the people and experiences I have learned during my internship has changed me for good. Coming to work was the highlight of my day. I was extremely fortunate to be part of a team that challenged me to continuously grow in ways I never thought possible. I learned so much about working in municipal government such as the inner dynamics of personnel relationships, the role of government and how it affects the administration of programs and project funding, the collaborative partnerships between local and state governments and the importance of nonprofits and face-based communities to help governments serve their citizens. I refined and honed my policy analysis, research, and writing skills in addition to interviewing and program and project analysis. My internship allowed me to work in a wide array of areas from human services, volunteering, zoning and design review, and e-cigarette regulations. I even challenged myself in areas of weakness such as public speaking. Speaking in front of Town staff, the executive team, and the TOWN COUNCIL was one of the most anxiety inducing experiences I have ever had. Yet, I was able to conquer my fears to give some of the best presentations I've ever given in my life. 

That brings me to one of the most important lessons I have learned during my internship. By conquering my public speaking and networking fears, I found something I never expected to find. I found my voice. The Intergovernmental Relations team let me know I was a person of worth and as such I should command respect and attention. I could go on about this, but I think I would like to keep it where it is.

There are so many people I'm going to miss now that I think about it. My Wonder Woman awesomesauce boss, Leah Hubbard; My brilliant supervisor, Heather Wikley; My fun and easy-going co-worker, Kurt Sharp; My lovable and dearest co-worker, Vickie; My other supervisor queen of the Gilbert-verse, Andi; and last but not least one of the funniest, personable, and seriously my home skillet supervisor, Gabe.


I'm extremely grateful for the experiences and time that I have had here at the Town of Gilbert. I'm absolutely thankful for the people I have met and the memories I will keep for the rest of my life. I know this blog sounds super sentimental, but I'm in the holiday mood and I just had a glass of eggnog and some delicious christmas cookies. Happy Holidays everyone.

Santa visiting the Gilbert Police Department

The Intergov Team: Me, Leah, Vicky, and Heather

My Fiance and I: Merry Xmas

Town of Gilbert Volunteer Corp

One of the last projects I've had the pleasure working on during my time in Gilbert was to interview the volunteer coordinators for Parks and Rec, Police, and Fire in order to understand the collaborative partnerships between the town and nonprofit/faith based communities. One of my primary interest in working with the public sector is the collaborative partnerships between local government and nonprofit organizations. Therefore, I was delighted to learn more about the Town of Gilbert Volunteer services to facilitate my own interest in working in this area. Let me tell you, the Town of Gilbert has a very robust volunteer corp made up of passionate citizens and staff willing to go the extra mile for those in need. I was in awe by the sheer selflessness and vigor each volunteer approached their duties and responsibilities.

In my nonprofit classes, I learned volunteerism channels a citizens altruistic needs to solve social problems as well as build social cohesion with other community members. Citizens of Gilbert engage town volunteer services to care for the environment (Park clean up and recycling drives), help individuals in crisis (food boxes, counseling services, helping the homeless, etc) and create a safe community for all citizens (fire alarm check ups, ride along with officers, CPR training classes, safety education, school events). Some programs have volunteers who work 20 hours a week and are on call 24/7-365. The average retention rate for a fire volunteer is 3-5 years, when the national average is 1-2 years. That is how much the citizens of Gilbert love their community and helping others in need.

In addition to learning about the volunteers, I was able to meet the dedicated volunteer coordinators who run the volunteer programs as Parks and Rec, Fire, and Police. Let me tell you, I had no idea about volunteer coordination or the amount of work it takes to manage a robust volunteer corp. Not only do they work extra hard to recruit, train, and retain volunteers, but they also go above and beyond to recognize each and every one of them and the hard work they do. Over at the Fire Department, the coordinator, Kim Yonda-Lead, has created these "You've been spotted" appreciation cards she presents to volunteers who work extra hard at their jobs. They even have volunteer appreciation dinners and events. I love organizations that not only give back to their communities, but also shows every individual how special they are to the organization. That's what human services and community outreach is all about-making individuals feel connected and appreciated.

Last but not least, I got to meet the Fire dog, Spring, who is the most adorable lab I've ever met. She was initially a seeing eye dog, but failed to complete the program due to inability to resist food. The Fire Department adopted her as their Fire Dog and she's been with them ever since. Isn't she adorable?!

Stoking the Fire Within

I always make it a point to stop by the Mayor's office at least once or twice a week to chat briefly with one of the most down-to-earth and kind-hearted ladies I have ever had the privilege to meet. This angel's name is Vicky, the assistant to the Mayor of Gilbert and if you meet her, you will immediately succumb to her sweet smile and cheery disposition. I'm absolutely serious! If a care bear could take human form, it would be Vicky! Not only will she bend over backward to lend an ear or a hand in times of need, but she goes out of her way to make your day shine. I always tell her that I pop in to steal candy off Mayor's Lewis' desk, but in actuality it's to get a positive, non-sugary energy boost from her. 

Anyhow, I stopped by to grab a snickers from the Mayors desk and talk to Vicky briefly before heading to a meeting. I've been having a difficult time this semester juggling school, family, and several lovely, unexpected life situations all at the same time. Today was one of those days, and I knew Vicky would be the person I would need to drive the clouds away. She talked in length about a leadership retreat she went to twenty five years ago that cost a whopping $1k to attend. She was amongst CEO's, bankers, and high profile business owners at this intensive leadership retreat that basically broke you down to the core of  your being only to build you back up with the skills to become a highly effective leader. She went on in detail about the things they would do and how exhausting the program was on her psychologically, emotionally, and physically. Vicky mentioned she would go home and cry tears of frustrations and fatigue from the grinding exercises and activities she performed day after day. They told her at the beginning that 2-3 people quit every year, but she was headstrong and determined to make it through the entire program. 

When it came time to graduate, the graduates had to perform one final test to receive their diploma. They had to sing the Star Spangled Banner in front of 200 people present at the graduation. If you failed to show passion, energy, and resolve during your performance, the graduation committee would give you a thumbs down and then you would have to sing it OVER AGAIN! Vicky had to sing it twice-TWICE! She decided to give it her all and sing with every ounce of energy her heart and soul could muster. She sang with passion, strength, and commitment in front of a crowd of people she hardly knew. That takes guts. It takes what I call a "fire within" that an individual invokes to overcome great odds to achieve success. That fire within drove Vicky to do something most of us would never do due to fear. Being alone inside the den of lions with your adrenalin pumping and your life on the line draws your basic survival instinct to either fight or run away. Vicky decided to fight.  It took everything Vicky had to graduate from that grueling leadership seminar that tested her in every way imaginable. When the final vote came in she received a thumbs up. She passed. Victorious Vicky! 

She pointed to the quote on her wall, and she said that quote reminded her of her leadership retreat all those years ago. After reading it, I was filled with a renewed sense of energy and strength I lacked before I came to her desk. Vicky had stoked that fire within me to face whatever challenges I must overcome within the next few weeks. I'm extremely thankful for stopping by her desk this morning, because I needed that extra push up the mountain or in Vicky's case a second chance to singing the Star Spangled Banner.