The internship experience I had over the summer was outstanding. I learned new skills and information, and made new friends and connections within my field of interest. It was my dream internship and I knew it before I even applied. When I started considering internships I decided that I wanted an experience that would be different from what I have been doing and something that would challenge me intellectually.

I started looking at the Smithsonian Institution’s website and looked at potential mentors. Once I found somebody with similar interests, I emailed him. I was very honest about my experiences and very honest about what I wanted out of an experience working with him at the Smithsonian. I had my friends revise the email so that I knew that I was giving the best impression possible.

After the email correspondence he advised that I apply through the Smithsonian Minority Internship program. I promptly thanked him and began my application. The application included a personal statement, my resume, letters of recommendation, and the application. Once my application was submitted, I notified him that I submitted my application and that I was very excited about the possibility of working with him.

When I learned that I got the internship I was ecstatic! I called my friends, sent thank you emails to my recommenders, and exclaimed my excitement on social media. I filled out the paperwork and then it was official! I was going to be working in DC at the Genetics Lab of the Smithsonian National Zoo over the summer!