As my internship with the Rainbow Rose Center comes to an end, my heart grows heavy with sadness. Thinking of all the experiences that are now behind me, I can’t help but feel empty, lost, even directionless. What will I do with my Sundays and Tuesdays now that I won’t be moderating teen support groups? Who will I make bracelets with, share stories with, laugh hysterically with? Where will I find such fuel and fulfillment?
Luckily, there is something stronger in my heart than sadness—gratitude. During my time with the RRC, I enjoyed so many wonderful opportunities. As I discussed in a previous blog post, I got to attend my first-ever Pride this summer. I will never forget all the vendors, performers, and friendly participants who made my first experience so enjoyable. I also attended our Pride Pop-Off Party, where I sipped on a mocktail while watching drag queens own a parking lot like a runway. Then, there was the Hanover Snack Town Street Fair. Where else can you buy shawarma and lawn ornaments while learning about all the many programs the RRC has to offer?
Of course, the heart and soul of my internship was the weekly teen groups I had the pleasure of co-moderating. Over the course of these past two months, these young people have opened their hearts and minds to me in ways I couldn’t have expected or hoped for. I feel unbelievably grateful that they felt comfortable enough to share their stories, their talents, and a fraction of their lives with me. As much as I might hate to admit it, I’ll even miss their inappropriate jokes, smart-alecky comments, and shrill screams. They represent the optimistic future I choose to believe in, even when all hope seems lost.
I suppose the best part of my internship is that it doesn’t have to be over. These groups won’t end just because I’m no longer moderating them. They will continue as long as the Rainbow Rose Center continues to do the important work that it does. I know I’ll keep making guest appearances from time to time. So, why don’t you do the same?
If you’ve ever considered volunteering or interning for a nonprofit organization, look no further than the Rainbow Rose Center. You’ll meet the kindest, funniest, quirkiest people you could ever hope to meet. You’ll find that slice of community that you’ve been missing and make all kinds of memories worth making. So, send the RRC that email you’ve been meaning to send. Get involved and make a difference.
Thank you, Christina Wingert, for offering me this internship opportunity. Thank you, Natasha Swiger, for keeping all balls in the air at all times. Thank you, Ty and River, for leading these groups alongside me. And special thanks to my mom and boyfriend, who both took my internship as an opportunity to get involved themselves.
It has been my absolute pleasure to write these blog posts for you all. Thank you for taking the time to read them, engage with them, and reflect on them. Make sure to keep reading The Rainbow Connection and checking out our Event Calendar to see all the exciting things happening in the near future! No matter the event, I hope to see you all there!
Talk more soon,
Hunter
