The Value of Learning from an Internship:

My recent internship with the Alliance of Climate and Environmental Stewards (ACES), gave me invaluable experience beyond the classroom. I worked with environmental professionals, nonprofit leaders, local officials, and community members on projects focused on sustainability and environmental awareness. What started as an opportunity to learn about the environment helped me grow as a person, leader, communicator, and member of my community.

One of the main projects in which I played a leadership role was the Waste Watchers Workshops for the Toward Zero Waste 2030/50 Collaborative Program. Leaders came together from eight municipalities to collaborate in addressing reducing waste and finding practical ways to make our communities more sustainable. I helped prepare workshops, support outreach efforts, participate in sustainability discussions, and connect attendees with organizers. Through this work, I learned more about waste reduction, recycling, composting, environmental education, and the challenges communities face from state mandates.

One of the most valuable aspects of my internship was the opportunity to speak with community decision makers. I presented environmental projects and ideas to local mayors, community leaders, and state legislators like Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Dawne Shand. At first, speaking in professional settings was intimidating as I was surrounded by adults with years of experience in environmental work, government, and community development. I learned how to share my ideas with confidence while listening and learning from the people around me.

Over time, I became much more comfortable and confident. Preparing beforehand, paying attention during discussions, and pushing myself to participate helped me develop confidence. I learned that being a good leader does not always mean being the person who talks the most. Leadership really begins by asking questions, listening carefully, being prepared, and knowing when and how to contribute an idea.

I also learned that environmental work is about more than science. I had thought of environmental careers only in terms of scientific research and conservation. I now understand the how communication, public engagement, government, nonprofit organizations, and community collaboration are needed to create environmental change. A successful sustainability initiative requires people from different backgrounds to work together to find solutions.

The experience also had an impact beyond what I learned personally. Through workshops, outreach, and environmental events, I helped support conversations about sustainability and waste reduction in my community. I was especially proud to receive the 2026 Newburyport Youth Community Service Award for my efforts with ACES. Seeing my work recognized by my community made the experience even more meaningful. My involvement with ACES has also been recognized through newspaper coverage of my community service efforts, which has shown me that young people can make a real difference when they are willing to get involved.

As a result of my involvement with ACES and my commitment to its purpose, I was also selected to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors. This responsibility was especially meaningful because it showed me that my contributions were valued not only as a contributing intern, but also as a young leader within the organization. Serving on the board has given me the opportunity to continue contributing to ACES, participate in important organizational decisions, and help shape future initiatives. It is exciting to continue developing my leadership skills while having a greater role in the work I care about.

Looking back, my internship helped me discover strengths I did not always know I had. I became a better public speaker, learned how to work more effectively with a team, improved my organizational and time-management skills, and became more comfortable taking responsibility. Most importantly, I learned that meaningful change often begins with people simply being willing to participate.

As I look toward college and my future career, I will be attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison this fall to study landscape architecture, with the goal of eventually becoming an urban planner. My internship with ACES helped me realize how closely sustainability and community development are connected. I hope to use what I learn in college to help design communities that are not only functional and welcoming, but also environmentally responsible. My ACES internship has given me a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and awareness. I look forward to carrying those lessons with me as I begin the next chapter of my education and work toward a career in urban planning.

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This educational column was originally published by The Daily News of Newburyport on August 28, 2026.