Be a Sponge
I can’t believe I am approaching month 2 of internship – I feel like I just got here yesterday! I suppose that is because I am still getting used to everything. People here often say “no two days are the same,” and I have found that to be very true so far. I thought for my second blog post I would write some tips for getting through the first few weeks of internship, for any future interns out there reading this.
1) Pack a good lunch. This is VERY important. You are already going to be nervous and tired, and you don’t want to be hungry on top of that. Don’t be like me and at the last minute shove an apple and a whole jar of peanut butter into a bag. If you decide you’re going to go and buy lunch, you will barely have time to eat it before you need to get back to work…trust me, I tried! Driving while eating a Chipotle bowl is hard.
2) Keep a small notebook and pen with you in every session you observe. In your first few weeks you will be in an observation stage – don’t take it for granted! You are going to be learning so much and it’s impossible to remember everything, so that’s why it is important to jot things down. I am grateful for the notes I took because now I can refer to them as I am starting to session plan, write journal entries, and write client highlights.
3) Make your drive time purposeful. Since I live a bit further away, I have at least 1-2 hours of drive time everyday (or more if I have any additional driving other than my commute). Even if you live close by, you are most likely going to have a decent amount of time driving. Make use of this time. I’ve heard people say they like to listen to/memorize repertoire via a playlist, listen to any messages they missed, or do any other work while driving safely. I like to use my drive time as a way to recharge, whether that is listening to upbeat music and singing along, or driving in silence while taking some deep breaths. Find what works for you, but don’t just zone out, be purposeful!
4) Be honest. If you are feeling overwhelmed, let your supervisors or team know. If you are struggling with something, let them know. If you have a question, let them know. I know it may be tempting to want to just nod and smile, but if you have something on your mind let it be known!
5) Listen to yourself. Getting used to this new schedule is hard. Give yourself grace and listen to what your body is telling you. I have felt a little disappointed in myself for slacking on my runs since starting internship, but my body is also adjusting to a huge change. I’m waking up earlier, staying out later, and my mind is gloop after taking in so much information – of course I’m going to be exhausted. My body is telling me to rest, so I should listen. I am slowly reintegrating runs back into my routine as I am beginning to get used to this new schedule. I know moving my body is important and very much needed, but I also need to be patient and kind with my body when it is tired and getting used to a big change.
6) Get it done ASAP. If you are moving from another state, be on top of your stuff! I tried my best to do this, but there are still a few things I have been pushing off that I should have done while waiting to start. Also when you begin, try your best to finish any assignments as soon as you can. There are a lot of things that can pile up quickly, so stay on top of it.
7) Be brave. You are going to feel uncomfortable, learn to work through that feeling and do it anyway. Take the initiative and jump in, even if it’s scary. Things get less scary when you do them over and over again. You’re a new intern, you’re expected to make mistakes and not quite know what you’re doing! Don’t let fear stop you from the opportunity to learn and grow.
8) Be a sponge. Soak it all in, and be in the moment. Before you know it, you won’t be an intern anymore, so make the most out of it! I already feel like time is flying by.
I have been learning so much already. I am tired, but what a blessing it is to be tired from something that feels so fulfilling. If you are about to start your music therapy internship (looking at you Ashley 😉–next incoming fellow intern) I hope these tips were helpful to you. Cheers to entering month 2 of internship, see you all in the next one!
Leah K. Padilla, MTI
