As a Running Start student interning at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, I’ve had an incredibly busy but rewarding semester. Between wrapping up my midterms, registering for classes, and finalizing my university applications, it feels like I’m always active. However, having the opportunity to be an intern while I finish my degree has taught me so much. From honing time management skills to instilling the importance of remaining goal oriented, I feel I’ve grown in so many ways.
One of the biggest challenges I have, especially this week, has been time management. Since I’m taking classes at South Puget Sound Community College while finishing high school, my midterms schedule is intense. Add in the work I’m able to do at SBCTC, where policy deadlines and virtual meetings keep me engaged, it feels hectic. However, I’ve learned to prioritize tasks, set clear deadlines for myself, and use scheduling tools to stay on top of everything. I’ve also realized that even though I can’t physically be in the office due to my class schedule, attending virtual meetings has been just as important. It allows me to stay involved in education policy discussions and contribute to ongoing projects, all while keeping up with my coursework.
At the same time, I’m in the final stretch of my university application process. It’s been exciting but also stressful, trying to articulate my experiences and aspirations in essays while managing everything else. My internship has helped shape how I talk about my goals. Watching the team at SBCTC identify challenges, map out solutions, and navigate roadblocks to achieve their goals, has been truly inspiring. Their dedication to not just higher education, but to equity within it, has deepened my passion for making education more accessible.
Despite the chaos, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. It’s shown me how much I can handle when I plan ahead and stay focused. It’s also made me appreciate the importance of flexibility, sometimes that means writing a college essay in the morning, jumping into a virtual meeting in the afternoon, and studying for finals at night. It’s a lot, but it’s worth it.
Beyond academics and work, this experience has helped me grow personally. Balancing so many responsibilities has pushed me to be more intentional with my time, but it has also shown me the value of self-care and setting boundaries. I’ve learned that productivity isn’t just about getting things done, it’s about knowing when to take a step back, recharge, and come back stronger. Whether it’s taking a short walk between study sessions or making time to connect with friends, these small moments have made a big difference. As I move forward, I want to carry this balance with me, to be sure that my drive for success doesn’t come at the expense of my well-being.
As I look toward the future, I’m excited to see where I end up for university. No matter where I go, I know the lessons I’ve learned from this internship, about education policy, time management, and staying engaged even when things get overwhelming, will stay with me. For now, I’m just taking it one step at a time, pushing through finals, and looking forward to what’s next.
