Colin Coleman
Greetings lovely readers of LVS! It has been an indescribable pleasure to start my interning experience at such a highly regarded, regional magazine. As summer draws to an end and the cool air settles into the Valley, I can’t help but feel nostalgic for the wonderful journey that has led me here with you today.
I’m currently a senior at Moravian College studying marketing and graphic design. Last spring, I was blessed with an opportunity to study abroad in Shanghai, China for a semester. It most certainly changed my life on many levels. The cultural exposure and foreign environment motivated me to learn, adapt and grow. The metropolitan lifestyle I had acquired abroad left me yearning for more social connections and excitement. Once I came home, I was faced with outstanding reverse culture shock; life was just too different. I’ve been commuting to school throughout college and never expanded my networks beyond the campus ground, work and my next door neighbors.
The uncertainty of finding a relevant job after graduation and pressure from school urged me to seek out internships that would hopefully give me that competitive edge. I perfected my resume, sent out my internship inquiries and anxiously waited for emails I wasn’t sure I was even going to receive. It was August, I was still traveling throughout Florida and the uncertainty of a secured internship clouded my sunny days. Then an email came for an interview at Lehigh Valley Style. Feelings of nervousness, anxiety, hope and disbelief tossed itself like a wash cycle inside my head—this is an opportunity I cannot lose!
Fast forward to September: I’m a marketing intern and beyond grateful! Everyone in the office exhibits an inviting, refreshing, happy vibe that is infectious (and it clearly shows in the magazine, too). It barely feels like a job because I so enjoy what I’m doing. The first two events I worked for the magazine have been incredible. FNO (Fashion’s Night Out) at the Lehigh Valley Mall was my first taste of being on the scene. Kelli is a fantastic mentor and got me relaxed enough to chat up attendees for our Style Scene section.
Another recent event I attended was Sophistikate’s Rock the Retro, 2-year anniversary bash. I got to dress up, represent LVS and mingle with fabulous guests in a fashionable environment filled with models, cocktails and music. How can a girl complain? The turnout was great and the best part is that all proceeds benefited the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Aside from the social glitz and glam this internship opportunity has presented me with, I appreciate the hard work that goes behind the scenes just as much. The meticulous thought and preparation behind every issue was something I never fathomed. It has only been two weeks and I’ve learned much more than I anticipated. What’s to come?
