I am loving my internship so far. All the people I am meeting and the different opportunities I am having. However I am struggling with being the "new" kid right now. It has been so long since I started a new endeavor; I have been in my current paid job for about a year and a half now and feel very confident there. It is strange to be getting to know the layout of the office, how different technologies work, and how things need to be done. I feel like I am getting down on myself when I don't do something right the first time, even though I know there was no way I could have known before being taught, After all that is what interning is all about right? Learning?
I guess I just put so much pressure on myself to be the best. To get everything right the first time and exceed expectations. If anything this internship is not only teaching me the specifics about working in a city government setting, but also about how to be realistic about my capabilities. I will always put 110% into everything I do, but it is ok on occasion to fail and learn from that. I am not perfect and will never be, but that will not stop me from being successful. I think if I were to approach my future government job with the mindset that I can always succeed or know the right answer it will prevent me from growing or coming up with the best solution.
I am reminded of the quote that Thomas Edison is said to have said about his many failed attempts at creating the first light bulb:
"I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work"
I have not failed, I've just found 10 ways not to use the copier.
Alex I can definitely relate to being the "new" girl and not being the best the first day. I really enjoyed reading your blog it was very insightful. My favorite part is the quote you added in this post very inspiring. Glad I am not alone in being the "new girl"!
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