Internships – Valuable Life Learning Experiences

Almost four years ago I made the choice to go to an Environmental Open House at Newburyport High School. My freshman self was not aware that for the rest of my high school career, I would learn some of the most valuable lessons in my life. The internship-based learning experiences I’ve taken with me to college not only as a student but also as a member of society are very valuable. I am Rourke Lee, a current freshman at Colgate University, who had the privilege during my time at Newburyport High School of working with Prof. Thomas Starr, Mr. Arthur Currier, and many other ACES affiliated stewards.

I played a key role in Prof. Starr’s Remembrance of Climate Futures project, a climate change awareness and educational program where I helped research, draft, propose, and install a series of plaques on the Newburyport Rail Trail. We used the same plaque system for important educational messages around the Indian Hill Reservoir as well. These eight-inch circular aluminum plaques provide information about past, present, and projected future events and projects related to the specific location of the sign. Research included attending city-organized meetings, researching news sources, and organizing in- person meetings.

I gained insight into the ongoing political and environmental sphere of Greater Newburyport regarding climate change-related programs. I gained confidence to begin to send cold emails, to speak to panels at city meetings, and to meet face to face with important leaders of my community. I learned to respect the time of others as I kept myself organized. I found myself starting to use Google Calendar to manage my meetings, which led to managing my schoolwork and my full schedule.

Drafting and proposing played hand in hand in this process. I would meet over Zoom to draft plaques using Adobe InDesign. This resulted in my presenting options to the water and sewer commission multiple times over the course of many months. We drafted, presented, redrafted, presented, and repeated this process until we settled on the language that was accurate for everyone. I learned to compromise and take critical advice. I found a better understanding and appreciation of the city employees and other workers in my community after getting to know each of them and gaining their perspectives not only on the project but Newburyport itself.

After unforeseen setbacks of new required permits, necessary redrafts, monthly meetings being pushed back, and other circumstances, there were points when it seemed like the installation day was so far out of my grasp, but I realized, looking back on things, that these all taught me an important lesson about persistence. I realized that I must always be prepared for what’s next, even if I may not know what is coming. I learned to be resilient in my ways to adapt. Most importantly, motivation may help for a couple weeks, but discipline and consistency are what really matters. After everything, I was left thinking what could be next?

The on-site action began after approval: installing the plaques. After choosing the locations of the plaques through multiple site-visits, we were able to install some of the plaques with ease using metal zip ties or screws. For others at the reservoir, a permit and a fencing company were needed to install the wooden posts. Having years of work go up in the span of an hour was not just a greatly fulfilling experience but, I admit, a slightly weird experience too.

Another lesson I learned was the importance and value of other perspectives and support. The support from my family, friends, Prof. Starr, Mr. Currier, the people of ACES, the Water and Sewer Commission, the Water Department, the Resiliency Committee, and so many others that would take up the entire page if I wrote them all was critical. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all aspects of this one-of-a- kind experience. Now that I’m at Colgate I see so much potential applying the competencies I learned. I’m excited about what these next four years have to offer and look forward to taking the lessons I’ve learned from these projects and high school and applying them here.

ACES team members believe everyone can make a BIG difference together. We invite you to stay updated on environmental matters by subscribing to our monthly newsletter via the “Subscribe to Updates” link on ACES’ website – https://www.aces-alliance.org/. Please consider joining our community of stewards committed to Make Every Day Earth Day by contacting acesnewburyport@gmail.com. and subscribe to our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/acesalliancenbpt/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ACESAlliance/ pages to stay informed

This educational column was originally published by The Daily News of Newburyport on December 5, 2025.