Risk. This word is commonly defined as a “situation involving exposure or danger.” I describe it as pushing boundaries, challenging oneself, and embracing the unknown. This summer, I had the opportunity to take multiple risks during my internship. Not only did I enhance my professional development, but I also challenged myself socially and emotionally in ways I hadn’t expected. For four months, I interned at Food & Water Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to increasing advocacy surrounding water policy and food access. Two significant issues that disproportionately affect many black and brown communities. The goal is to increase community engagement regarding these issues to mobilize long-lasting governmental change. Being a second-year student in the University of Maryland's Institute of Applied Agriculture program, I’m at the beginning of my career journey. Additionally, as a somewhat inexperienced intern regarding knowledge surrounding community outreach, this was definitely a risk for me. When you're a slight perfectionist, it's difficult to accept not excelling in something punctually.
As an Outreach Coordinator at Food & Water Watch, I was charged with a variety of tasks. This includes petitioning, emailing, phone banking, and canvassing in local Baltimore communities. For petitioning, I’d go to local farmers' markets to persuade the public to sign off on potential laws regarding water access and water policy. To “phone bank,” I’d call multiple organizations to inform and invite them to public hearings regarding water policy. Additionally, I’d contact the public and political leaders regarding their presence at said meetings or court hearings. In terms of canvassing, I’d travel to different communities in the Baltimore City area- doorknocking to ask for support regarding water policies. Each of these tasks involved me reaching out of my comfort zone and truly embracing interactions that were foreign to me. Having to walk up to the public and initiate a conversation was definitely something I wasn’t used to. To recall a funny and or awkward moment, I remember saying “hello” to a couple simply passing by me. They then responded with “no” and continued walking. These types of interactions were humorously a form of rejection therapy, while also unintentionally teaching me not to take everything personally.
Not only did this internship enhance my professional and business skills. But it also enhanced my knowledge of food and water policy. It taught me the importance of pivoting in uncomfortable and difficult situations. When canvassing/ knocking on random doors, many people wouldn't answer or would simply stare out of their window. Others would answer, but our communication was limited as they’d quickly shut the door. I had to learn that not everyone will be as welcoming or open as I initially hoped- and that’s okay. When you’re working in proximity to the public, the goal will always be to inform people of their best interests and local happenings. You don’t want someone to feel coerced to the point of unmotivation. Ironically, my favorite part of the internship was petitioning because you could never foresee the kind of person you might encounter. While it's true that some interactions were indeed better than others, I was still able to network with different entrepreneurs and politicians. To add on, many interactions with the general public were pure and authentic. Many people enjoyed hearing about different underrepresented climate policy issues in their community.
Working with Food & Water Watch truly helped enhance my professional background and evolve holistically as a person. In the theme of taking “risk,” I was able to push myself past mental blocks while also gaining new skills. This includes interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Academically, I was able to properly immerse myself in information regarding environmental law and policy. Many of which were just unknown concepts to me. I hope to further enhance these newly developed skills through more professional opportunities in the future. Considering my aspirations to become an environmental protection specialist, this internship experience will definitely be beneficial for my onward endeavors.
