Hello readers, and welcome to a peek into the life of an intern. Like many interns before me on their first couple of days, I've experienced the customary nerves and uncertainties, plaguing Meghan with plenty of obvious questions and blank, uncomprehending looks. But even though I had not one but two dreams last night that I was either late to work or slept through it in the parking lot (subconscious, you're outdoing yourself!), another feeling takes the place of anxiety as soon as I begin to describe a local model train exhibit or research adorable ways to make decorations out of pumpkins—a super nice feeling. Because like other editorial interns, I'm getting the opportunity to do what makes me the happiest: writing! I know it's early, and I may eat my words at some point when and if scary deadlines and baffling assignments drain me to a wild-eyed husk, but I think this job is just about the most fun ever!
After graduating from Cedar Crest College at the end of 2011 with an English degree, I really had no idea what I was going to do with it. More than one person had told me that my degree had about as much worth as a plastic bag on the side of the road. I wasn't sure where to turn, so I fled to Wales with an erstwhile Welsh teacher. Actually, this was a delightful vacation in which I ate my weight in fish and chips and sumptuous pastries (America lags behind the U.K. in this arena, to the benefit of my waistline) and frolicked on the ramparts of ancient castles, of which Wales has more per square mile than any place in the world.
When I came back, I had to face the bleak reality of student debt and career bewilderment, searching for internships by day and dancing with my Middle Eastern dance company, Abzahrah, by night (we also dance by day—it's traditional and family-friendly). You already know how the story ends: Lehigh Valley Style rescued me, set me in front of a flashy new computer and gave me the chance to put the skills of an English major to good use. I hope to spend the rest of this year making sure they're glad they did!
