Born and in raised in the west coast while studying in the northeast, when I received a callback from V-Soft Consulting offering me an internship opportunity in Louisville, Kentucky, I immediately said yes but was not aware of what the city would bring. I envisioned a relatively small city with few things to do; I have never been more wrong in my life!
I had never visited the Midwest; however, after the completion of this amazing Bulldogs in the Bluegrass Program I have visited Nashville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Lexington. I had already tried the Northeast and loved it – now I can say the same about the Midwest and the portions of the Southeast I have seen.
Originally, before arriving to V-Soft Consulting, I had completed research on the company location and engagements; however, this was nothing but research on paper when compared to working in the office environment day to day. Eventually, after many weeks with this amazing company, I learned the full breath and depth of the V-Soft Consulting via daily work experiences, quarterly meetings, and interactions with my supervisors, bosses, coworkers, and peers in and outside the office.
The legacy this program leaves to both Kentucky and Yale students is incredible. At its core, it is meant to introduce students from different backgrounds to a city many of us would not normally consider for employment. When many students think about cities for employment, New York, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, and others pop up in their head. This program not only fulfills the role of introducing us to Lousiville as an employer city but goes above and beyond this call to action.
Not only have I discovered the marvels of this beautiful community, but also forged amazing bonds of friendship that will last beyond my college years.At the start of the program I knew only a handful of Yalies who were in my peripheral friend circle.
Now after laughing, traveling, gaming, and even cuddling together, this Bulldogs in the Bluegrass Program is truly deserving of all hype the alumni of this program give. I know when I arrive back on campus I will do the same - convince others to go through Bulldogs in the Bluegrass program.
After arriving to Kentucky, I have seen not only a professional growth, but personal growth in myself as well. After gaining more independence that required learning to pay bills, living within my means, and working 40 hour work weeks, I have a better sense of what it means to be an adult, although I know that I have barely scratched the surface.
My experience in Kentucky has helped me to mature and honestly, it hit me like a brick wall. However, as my mom says especially in this experience where the realities of adulthood really gave me a reality check.
No one said growing up was easy"
As a result, this personal and professional growth during my summer experience was just as impactful as my first weeks starting off college, learning how to live alone.
I would like to thank Rowan and Robin – the brains of the Bulldogs in the Bluegrass operation – for putting together such an amazing program that truly offers us the best of Louisville’s culture, work environment, people, and energy.
I would also like to thank my amazing supervisors and mentors at V-Soft Consulting Michael, Doug, Purna, Casey, and others for offering me an amazing internship opportunity at V-Soft. Thanks for teaching me the lifelong skills of working in an office environment where each day was different.
As I discussed in my recent post, IT Intern Week 8: Reflection, I really felt I was part of something bigger at V-Soft. Ultimately, this internship has provided me a better idea of where I want to go with my life and what I want to do. It made me appreciate my college years and appreciate what my parents do.
As a student who loves keeping quotes in my quote book, my supervisor Casey Davidson’s line will always resonate in me as I look to the future:
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Dear Misael.
Thank you for choosing V-Soft and Louisville for your internship this summer. While it's nice to know we were able to be a part of your life in a small way know you added to our life at V-Soft.
We could tell you how much we enjoyed the pizza for breakfast, the broken down car, the early mornings, the stories you couldn't tell, your experiences at Yale, tales of your family and heritage, learning about your life being brought up in Los Angeles. your seeking advice and/or us giving it, barbecue, hearing your thoughts on life, raising awareness and $s for the Brave Hearts, and your colorful clothes but we'll just let the pictures below speak for themselves.
We wish you a safe journey only hoping we added just a bit to shape the successful businessman you'll soon be and the amazing person you are. Thanks for visiting us for a summer out of your life Misael and now that you're a part of the V-Soft family know you're welcome back anytime!
Sincerely,
The V-Soft Family