This Friday was the last day in my summer internship at the WebstaurantStore in Lititz, PA. I worked as an E-commerce intern within the Customer Solutions Department and loved this experience! I can’t believe how we got here and how it’s almost the middle of August. This summer has been one of transformation and change. From learning more about myself, others, and faith (see my last blog) to learning about becoming an adult and working.
In my position, I worked alongside three other interns from PA and four interns in GA as well as customer solutions specialists. I had a wonderful training group and intern team I got to know pretty well and an encouraging manager who listened, encouraged, and welcomed conversations for growth and development. As a learner and HDFS major (Human Development and Family Science), these check in meetings were definitely a highlight of the summer. I learned a lot and gained tools and resources to better understand myself, leadership, and teamwork. We also read the book The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni which I’d definitely recommend!
As this summer is coming to a close, I’m thankful for the time I had to learn and grow as well as take some time away from school to relax and challenge myself in new ways. I want to share with you three lessons or areas of growth I’ve had over the course of this summer and through my experience in Lititz.
- I’ve learned a lot about business and the food service industry. I am minoring in Business Administration at Messiah College, and I’ve loved being able to apply concepts and practice skills at my experience at the Web. Webstaurant has taught me how important culture is when finding a place to work. They’ve cultivated a place to learn and meet people who value doing the right thing, having an entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for excellence. A place that also sees people behind the positions they occupy. This internship has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself in new projects and areas. I really loved working in a company that also values work-life balance.
- I’ve learned that I like working with adults and learned more about the kind of work that fills me. I like being around people my own age or older. I enjoy having real genuine conversations and being able to hear the various experiences people have had in life. For work, I’ve learned that I like positions that have a mix between being task focused and people focused. For task focused, I like to be able to organize, pay attention to details, do research, and have an eye for how to incorporate systems to improve efficiency. For people focused, I like to be able to give and receive support while working on a team. I believe everyone has a story and love hearing about people’s experiences. Being able to learn more about these things has helped me better understand myself and what kind of work is more satisfying for me.
- I’ve learned what it is like to take some adulting steps. I was able to live with a coworker which I loved – getting to know her and sharing her apartment. I learned that becoming an adult doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems if you take one step at a time. I practiced meal preparation, grocery shopping, and experimenting with cooking. I learned to budget my paychecks in being able to pay rent, purchase groceries, buy gas, and contribute to my savings. I’m learning to not compare with others but rather do what works for me. Learn what routines work for what kinds of food to eat, how much sleep is needed, and taking time to balance work and rest.
Fundraising Update: Thank you so much to all who are praying and partnering with me for my 11 months of missions with Adventures in Missions next year! I’m so amazed at God’s provision and the generosity of His people. All the praise and glory to God. I can’t wait to see how He continues to move. It’s about 2 months until Training Camp where I’ll meet the other men and women who will also be missionaries with me. Be on the lookout for a new fundraiser coming soon! I’ll be selling t-shirts!
To God be the glory,
Madison Riley
Worship Recommendation:
More Than Anything by Natalie Grant
“Help me want the Healer
More than the healing
Help me want the Saviour
More than the saving
Help me want the Giver
More than the giving
Oh help me want You Jesus
More than anything”
