Interns. That word can mean a lot of things. From coffee retriever to well-respected college student- each individual who decides to take on the role experiences something different. As a college student headed towards my senior year, I’ve decide to take on my third internship, also known as my “dream internship.” As exciting as this is, it’s also quite scary for reasons I couldn’t forsee.

In my first internship, I was a rookie at EVERYTHING. I was nineteen and had barely finished my first semester as a sophomore and I thought I was hot stuff- I mean what college student wouldn’t if they were in my position as an intern for a worldwide pharmaceutical company. After that semester, I quickly joined up with another international corporation, except this time in technology. Let’s just say, I had it very good. Not only did I get a great internship and great networking opportunities- I learned about IMC-something I didn’t previously understand. By the time my internship was extended for a year-long term, I knew my job like the back of my hand, and I was good at it. In fact, I was doing the job of a regular employee and was treated like one.

So, what? Why am I writing this?

Two weeks ago I packed up and left my hometown in North Carolina and headed to Boston where my new adventure awaited. I was excited for many reasons but the main one was that after a junior year of complete hell, I was headed for the internship of a lifetime. On my first day, I understood it all. But, now, two weeks into it…I think I’m faltering. Asking questions can only get me so far but what I’m beginning to realize is that I’m an intern. Well, duh! No, what I mean is that I’m not a regular employee doing my job- I’m back to being a student, learning and messing up but trying to keep a smile on my face- and that’s the hardest job of all.