Summer Internship Reflections
By Kyle MacGillis
I recently joined the Jordan Porco Foundation as their Summer Marketing Intern and I’m so grateful to be a part of a mission that is this meaningful to me.
The cool thing about internships is that they’re designed to help students figure out what they may want to do with their lives—to ultimately inspire them to work in a field that is rewarding and fulfilling. So, as a college student who is a bit unsure about what type of job or role I’d like to pursue long-term, an internship like this one is uniquely important.
It’s personal, too. In 2002, my grandfather “Pop” died by suicide. I was only two years old. I’ve grown up watching and riding the roller coaster of emotions in the wake of my grandfather’s death. Several of my family members have had alcohol and drug abuse issues, some are living with depression, and younger members of my family will never get to experience the incredible presence and love of their “Pop.”
As someone who has been directly affected by a death by suicide in my family, I realize how vital it is to help create a message of hope, especially when people feel alone and hopeless. I feel empowered and ready to educate myself and others about the Jordan Porco Foundation’s mission and programs.
It may be early on in my tenure here with the Foundation, but I can already feel the cause pulling at my heartstrings to know that my efforts to raise awareness and connect people to help will continue long after my internship ends.
Even though I’m a little uncertain about the job or role I’d like to pursue after I graduate, what I’m learning is invaluable and will be relevant in any workspace or setting. Because pledging to be “in it for life” is important now—and always.
If you need support now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or, text 741741 to get help 24/7 from the Crisis Text Line. If you or someone you know needs help, visit the Jordan Porco Foundation’s resources page.
The opinions expressed in this blog are personal, and not those of the Jordan Porco Foundation. The information in this blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as mental health advice from the individual author or the Jordan Porco Foundation. You should consult a mental health professional for advice regarding your individual situation.
