enjoy.
A Final Reflection on These Internships
megan matichuk
My transformation did not happen over night and could not have happened without outside help; my community partners, friends and/
or coworkers. It also could not have happened if I was not willing to let it happen. Vulnerability is a might stone – it can be used as a tool or a weapon in self-improvement. I have realized that I need change, challenge and vulnerability to succeed in my battle with real life. Constant change, variation, evolution, experimentation, exploration, openness, inconsistency and exposure in nearly every situation. It is a matter of pushing myself to my limits and achieving greatness in the process (come out smelling like roses). This is an essay that will explore my internships with Interactive Futures: Stereo ’09, Emily Carr University of Art + Design and Intersections Digital Studio, also at Emily Carr University of Art + Design in relation to my own personal goals, growth and skills.
My internship with Interactive Futures: Stereo ’09 has transformed me into a better person. By challenging myself and pushing my limits I am much more organized, efficient, and a stronger individual. When I was first introduced to Maria, Julie, Wendy, Erdem, Ben and Jula I was shy and quiet; keeping to myself and not necessarily speaking up, or taking initiative. It took me a few weeks to become comfortable with the environment, my co-workers, and especially with my abilities. This special group of people recognized and encouraged eminence in me and was the basis of my inspiration to succeed. I developed such a close relationship with everyone on the IF’ 09 team that once the conference ended, I experienced a sense of loss when I wasn’t surrounded by my new workmates. Just between you and I, I still have the habit of checking my email inbox three to four times a day. I have evolved into an open, reliable individual and I developed a stronger sense of self and understand, at a greater level where I stand in this world. Confidence and self-awareness are the greatest gifts IF’ 09 could have ever given me.
I still remember vividly Julie’s excitement when I agreed to take on curatorial assistance with IF’ 09. It was something I wanted to partake in from the beginning and was excited to do so, but Julie’s added enthusiasm magnified my excitement and it was then that I knew this was something that will captivate my future. While my intentions with the internship were to help curate the art show, not in the slightest was I disappointed the direction that chose me was organizing registration. This path seemed to be preselected by someone special. Julie encouraged hard work, dedication and constantly bought out the best in me; every morning before, and during the conference, her smile and reaction to my smile secured more than just reassurance.
The reason why I chose IF’ 09 to be one of my internships is because my future career path involves me, one day owning my own art gallery. I knew this internship would further my dream into a reality. While I didn’t undertake any actual curating of the event, the organizational skills I’ve gained will advance other aspects of owning a gallery. Planning, organizing, and communication = this internship.
I’ve always been interested in sculpture in its 3D form. I like the feeling of holding a sculpture in my hand. Pride. This is why I wanted to work with Simon and the 3D printer in the Intersections Digital Studio. I wanted to learn about new technologies within my field of interest. Like in IF’ 09, I began my internship with Simon quiet, reserved and a little shy. Intimidated by Simon, the new environment, and my lack of past knowledge on this new technology, I was hesitant to take initiative with new tasks. I spent a lot of time watching and learning. As my knowledge grew, so did my confidence. I am now much more comfortable in IDS.
I had very high expectations for this internship. With all the time in the world I wanted to print many objects, scan, build and develop models and print them all. I also wanted to experience placing orders for outside clients, to witness this type of career path outside the institute. Unfortunately I didn’t have all the time in the world; in fact I had very little time to spend in the studio. Nonetheless, I am very satisfied with this experience in IDS. Once Simon and I figured a way to ‘play through’ the issues that came up, we completed a few prints. To walk away with one print, I was happy to check it off my list.
The second half of the internship seemed to pick up. troubleshooting was not a scary issue, but merely a comical sidestep, and the relationship between Simon and I had progressed into laughter and easy-going conversations. Determination = this internship.
