As my internship here at NHHEAF sadly comes to end, I look forward to taking with me the knowledge, skills, and character that I have developed here. As I head into my senior year in school, as well as in the future, the skills I have acquired are sure to show.

When I first came to NHHEAF I told them what I had hoped to accomplish out of this internship, and I had three goals in mind.

#1: Understand the workings of the many computer programs needed in a business, and how to use them to my advantage.
Objective: Work with some computer programs that are used. Be able to complete a program with assistance. 
Goal Reached?: I was able to set up a company email account and used the sometimes confusing computerized phone system. I also used word processing software to initially write these blogs. These may seem basic, but are an integral part of any business. I was also able to use various college search software, which is offered to students in NHHEAF’s mission of promoting college access.

#2: Marketing
Objective: Help with the process that it takes to complete a successful advertisement. Also to explore, how much thought and time goes into marketing.
Goal Reached?: My internship was within the marketing department, and I was lucky enough to see all the thought and time that is put into all they do. It was interesting to see the development in regards to presentations, event planning, and 1-on-1 customer service.

#3: How they Budget/Finance
Objective: Work with checks, paper work, etc. and possibly work with someone in this department.
Goal Reached?: I did not complete this goal, however, I am okay with that. After spending my time in the marketing department I have started to seriously consider a career in this field. I love the team that they have here and the environment of always having something to do.

The most interesting part of my internship here at NHHEAF was creating this blog. I am not someone who often writes, nor do I care for it much. But when they told me that I would be writing a blog for a section on Joe College, I thought that it was a great useful idea for the community. I sat down with the college planning manager, a college counselor, and a senior business analyst and they explained why they wanted me to blog. They explained that they wanted a real high school student’s perspective on all things college. 

As I was just starting my college search, it was a great fit to blog about what I have learned.  Writing a blog forced me to look at many different aspects of the college process, which I am excited about. I hope other students can utilize my entries to help them in the college process as well.  And writing the blog pushed me out of my comfort zone a little – and that’s okay too!
   
As I reflect on my internship here at NHHEAF I have come to realize that I have now taken that next step towards my future goal…college and a career. They helped me put together my athletic resume, provided me with all their pamphlets and information about applying for college, and made me feel comfortable enough to ask questions.

One thing I learned is it’s not uncommon to have question when going through this process, and NHHEAF understands that. Once you step foot into NHHEAF's building, you are not alone in your college process. They will sit with you for five minutes or they can sit with you for over an hour. They want to make sure that you understand what you’re looking at and that you stay focused and on track.

I wish you all the best of luck with your college process, but it’s now time for me to continue my own. See ya!

Still Planning,

Lauryn