Going Remote

After spending the summer of 2019 interning at 826 Boston, I was thrilled to bump into Ellen at Macalester College’s clubs fair and to learn that 826 MSP (previously MOI) had just joined the 826 network. Deeply inspired by the organization’s mission to support and empower students into becoming creative thinkers and writers, I knew I wanted to join the 826 MSP community in some way. So, in January of 2020, I began working alongside Ashley as 826 MSP’s Development and Communication Intern. 

For the first two months of my internship, I was taking the bus to the center, working just a few feet away from Ashley and Ellen in the office space. If I ever had a question or needed feedback, I could just walk over and ask. However, everything changed in mid-March, when COVID-19 shook the country to its core. I immediately flew home to Massachusetts to be with my family, unsure of when I would be able to travel back to the Twin Cities safely. With so much uncertainty and fear surrounding the pandemic, I wondered if I would be able to return to my internship and continue working with students in the After-School Writing Lab. 

Little did I know, the powers of technology would not only allow me to continue my internship, but would also shape me into a far more independent and confident intern. Weekly check-ins looked a little bit different, meeting with Ashley on Google Hangouts instead of in person, but I was surprised at how quickly I was able to adjust to working virtually! If I ever needed clarification on a certain task, I could message Ashley online and get a response quickly. As the months passed, I grew far more independent and self-assured. If I had a question, I would first try and answer it myself. Additionally, the transition to working completely online made me think more creatively when generating ideas and designing content for our social media platforms! The transition to working remotely and, more generally, using technology for nearly all aspects of my life, made me realize how vital social media was going to be in spreading 826 MSP’s mission to people in the Twin Cities and beyond. I learned how to create social media content that was both interactive and informative. One of my favorite projects in particular was creating a children’s book themed March Madness Instagram story with Ellen. I also loved creating Instagram stories that showcased student writing or our amazing volunteers. Field Trips looked a little bit different on Google Hangouts, but I had such an enjoyable time getting to know various groups of students and loved hearing all of their quirky and creative story ideas. 

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have worked with 826 MSP for not one, but three semesters! I have learned so much about myself and look forward to taking my newfound skills with me as I soon embark on my post-under graduate life! Thank you, 826 MSP!

-Abby Lawrence

Abby in the “before times” at our youth writing center—one of the coolest bathrooms around!