When I think back to January 2025, I remember sitting in the Butler study room, nervously waiting for my first video interview with the Lilly Scholars Network team. In my cover letter, I had written, “As a Lilly Scholar, I have experienced the value of being part of a supportive, intellectually curious community, and I would love to amplify LSN’s impact through event promotion and communications.” At the time, I wasn’t sure if I was ready, or if they would select me as a freshman—but I knew one thing: I wanted to be part of this community and contribute in a meaningful way. From my very first conversation, Katie Swanson, Emily Morales, and Bryana Schreiber welcomed me with warmth, encouragement, and guidance, setting the tone for an internship where mentorship, connection, and purposeful work were always at the forefront.

I began my internship as an Events Marketing Intern, mostly remote, navigating a world of social media scheduling, newsletter design, graphic creation, and event support. I balanced 8-10 hours a week alongside classes and extracurriculars, and the flexibility of remote work made it easy to stay on top of projects while still keeping up with school. Each task was a window into the heart of LSN—the careful planning, the intention behind every post, and the dedication to connecting Scholars across Indiana. 

Throughout the first portion of my internship, I began to question my original academic plans and started to realize where my heart had been all along—in storytelling and communication. The projects I worked on, even the small ones, reminded me how much I loved writing, creating, and connecting people through words. Even from a distance, I could see how this network nurtures its community, turning opportunities into relationships and programs into experiences that linger long after the work is done. As my initial internship term wrapped up in May, I found myself asking for more written tasks and communication projects—just as I finalized my decision to change my major to better align with the work I was most passionate about. 

Near the end of the spring term, I was thrilled to be offered the chance to extend my internship into the summer—expanding to nearly 35 hours a week. The additional time allowed me to take on larger projects and immerse myself more fully in LSN’s communications work. Alongside the internship over the summer, I balanced two classes, volunteered at Hoosier Girls State as a social counselor (a week-long immersive camp) and at the local nonprofit Hope House, all while competing in a local pageant. These experiences taught me flexibility, resilience, and perspective, and I began to see how each small action—whether posting an event graphic, sending a thoughtful email, or capturing a photograph at a program—contributed to the broader mission of the Network.

With the summer extension, my title changed to Communications Intern, a change I advocated for after realizing that the responsibilities I had grown into—developing communications plans, writing blog posts, capturing photography, supporting programs like the Lead Forward Community Grants and the Collegiate Chapters, and telling LSN’s story—were broader and richer than my original title reflected. This past summer was transformative. I had the chance to support major LSN events, including Scholars Launch, where I managed some social media for the event, designed the signage, and captured photography for the Cabin Leader Training—helping bring the experience to life for Scholars both in-person and online. Alongside supporting LSN programs, I had the opportunity to attend and highlight external events, such as the Economic Club of Indiana monthly luncheons and the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) annual conference. 

Through blog posts, photography, and social media updates, I was able to share these experiences with Scholars, connecting them to wider professional networks and opportunities while amplifying the impact of LSN’s work far beyond the Network itself. Even amidst the busy rhythm of events and programming, I was able to make time for personal connection. Coffee chats with alumni and fellow Scholars became highlights in my summer, filled with insight, encouragement, and stories that shaped how I saw my own path.

Sitting on the phone with Lauren James, hearing her speak about pageantry, the Orr Fellowship, and her career with the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation, I felt inspired by the paths she’s carved and the wisdom she shared. Later, conversations with Sarah Summers about her time as Advisory Council Chair and her career at Franklin College invited me to reflect on how experience and guidance ripple forward—how watching someone navigate a path similar to your own can illuminate what’s possible. Connecting with Claire Bishop, a fellow Collegiate Scholar, 2023 Indiana State Fair Queen, and 2023 Indiana State Festival Association (ISFA) Queen, gave me a chance to talk about competing at ISFA, learn about the Indy500 Princess program, and share the unique experiences of being a Scholar today. Whether I was speaking with the Indiana Humanities team, Tess DeHart at the Wabash Valley Community Foundation (WVCF), or a fellow Scholar, each coffee chat was consistently personal and meaningful, providing insight, encouragement, and connection throughout my summer.

These conversations taught me that communication is more than sharing information—it is about building bridges, creating connection, and amplifying voices. Each email, each blog post, each social media update became a thread in the web of this community, connecting Scholars, alumni, and staff in ways that felt personal, even through screens. Attending Advisory Council meetings, committee sessions, and LSN events offered a peek behind the curtain, revealing the heart and thoughtfulness that powers this organization. 

The LSN team’s warmth, openness, and encouragement made every moment feel less like work and more like being part of a family. Whether celebrating milestones, offering guidance during challenges, or even sending flowers for my grandmother’s funeral, they showed me that this community cares for one another in ways that go far beyond professional support. From committee meetings to casual check-ins, I always felt seen, valued, and supported—not just as an intern, but as a member of a family that celebrates, listens, and lifts each other up.

Looking back on this year, I am struck by how much I have grown—personally, professionally, and even creatively. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, to step into roles that challenge me, and to embrace opportunities that stretch my skills. I’ve learned the importance of listening, of asking questions, and of celebrating the people who make a community thrive. And above all, I’ve learned that the most meaningful work often happens quietly, through thoughtful communication, shared experiences, and genuine care for the people you serve.

As I near the end of my time as a student intern with LSN in December, I feel a mixture of gratitude and bittersweetness. I am so proud of the work I’ve been able to contribute, the relationships I’ve built, and the stories I’ve helped share. And while I am sad to let this role go, I am filled with excitement and hope for the next pair of interns. I cannot wait to see how they will learn, grow, and add their own energy and ideas to this incredible team. This internship has not only shaped my skills and ambitions but has also deepened my appreciation for what it means to be part of a community that believes in its Scholars, its alumni, and the power of connection.

This journey has been more than just an internship—it has been a chance to grow, to learn, and to witness the quiet power of connection and mentorship in action. From coffee chats to committee meetings, from storytelling to capturing moments through photography, every experience has left its mark. Reflecting back to my initial cover letter, I hoped to amplify LSN’s impact through event promotion and communications—and this year, I’ve seen that hope come to life in ways I could not have imagined. Though it’s bittersweet to step away, I am inspired and excited to watch the next interns find their own paths, bring their energy and ideas, and continue strengthening the remarkable community that makes LSN so extraordinary. 

Being part of this team has been one of the most rewarding parts of my Lilly Scholar journey—a place where I’ve grown, been supported, and seen firsthand the impact of this incredible community. If you’re a Scholar who’s ready to learn, create, and contribute, I encourage you to apply for the Communications or Events Internships by Dec. 5.