Shannon\’s reflections on her internship with Jamie\’s Notebook

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By Shannon Farr

All college students struggle with balancing their classes with their social lives, all while trying to figure out what to do with the rest of the lives.

Some college students, not all, have to juggle a job or an extra-curricular club.

Fewer still, there are those college students who have to balance two or three jobs with everything else.

I was one of those students. Up until my graduation earlier this month (Yay!), I was juggling a full class load (15 hours), an active social life, multiple major changes, and three part-time jobs. Unlike other students, however, I had the privilege to work as an independent contractor, which meant choosing my hours and dictating my workload.

You see, for the past two years, I have had the opportunity to be a content writer for Jamie’s Notebook. I have learned an incredible amount about myself and I have greatly improved as a writer since my first day. And since this is my last post, I just wanted to take a moment and reflect on my time with the company.

Developing a voice is never easy

Most writers know their written voice, but what about everyone else? Whether you realize it or not, everyone has their own distinct voice. It is never easy to develop a tone or voice, but once you do, it is unique to you. Throughout my time at Jamie’s Notebook, I have learned more and more about my written voice.

Beyond that, I have learned to imitate others’ voices. With each client I wrote for, I had to figure out their voice. At first, I struggled and I’m sure that Jamie can attest to that. It took me several drafts to shift out of my written voice. Two years later, while it still takes me a minute, I finally learned how to shift out of my voice and into that of another writer.

Being an independent contractor rocks

Typical part-time jobs, like working at a retail store, require a set schedule and a set availability. Working for Jamie’s Notebook, I had the opportunity to make my own schedule. Each month, I connected with Jamie, letting her know my availability and my desired workload. Without a doubt, I knew that I was never going to be asked to more than I could handle.

Finding and following your passion is everything

A ton of college students take internships to find their passion and to find their fit. When I was looking for a job/internship, I was in the same boat. I applied for the position with Jamie’s Notebook because it was in my field and I was looking for experience. Little did I know that it was the first step towards my future!

Without a doubt, I can say that I have been extremely lucky because I have found my passion and that is in no small part due to my time at Jamie’s Notebook. I had an amazing mentor, someone who is passionate and dedicated to her company.

While I am sad to be leaving, I am so excited to take the next steps in my life. I am so grateful for my time at Jamie’s Notebook, because I have learned so much.

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