My Internship Experience

Two years ago, I started my internship with the Junior Golf Association of Arizona as their USGA PJ Boatwright intern. I had no idea what was in store for me that first day, but I’m glad to say that most of it has been the experience of a lifetime. Through this job, I met some of my best friends, networked in the golf industry and learned just how long it takes me to start getting cranky (10 hours was usually the mark).

Now let me also say, being an intern for two years is not ideal, but I knew it was right where God placed me. He put me in that job for a very specific reason to grow and learn not only about golf, but myself as well. Even the other day in my church message the pastor said, “God has you there for a purpose and a reason.” I didn’t always know what God was up to, but this internship was the place He planned for me at this point in my life.

At the first tournament, I was handed the camera and told I would be the one taking all the photos. Let me just point out, it was never mentioned to me that I would be doing this job, yet the camera was handed to me. I became known as the “one who takes the photos” and “posts on Instagram.” While most didn’t learn my actual name for a while, I was ok with that because I came to love what I was doing and found meaning in the final result. It even allowed me to discover a passion for taking photos and capturing moments that would otherwise be forgotten.

I also quickly realized how much I had to adapt within this job. One tournament I might be with the 14 and under golfers for eight hours and the next I would be placed with the 15-18 boys in line for a 15 hour day. I had to mentally prepare for the long days and attitude that would come my way and take care of my physical health in the process of being in the heat for long periods of time.

Being the communications intern taught me a lot about what a future job in this industry could look life. I was running around taking pictures while also trying to get an Instagram post out in a timely manner. And sometimes I was even running the tournament. I continued to learn how to use Adobe and Canva design systems and apps to make Instagram stories appealing to our audience. My photography skills also definitely improved over two years and it started to become obvious which photos were mine and which were not.

As I mentioned, I met some of my best friends at this job. Taylor, another intern, and I connected immediately last summer and we’ve been unstoppable since. My boss and I became good friends as we shared similar experiences in life and could relate to one another as we’re close in age. Each summer would also feature new interns around me that I got to know and (mostly) love. People who brought in all sorts of experiences and stories that we got to learn. Together, we made the job fun, enjoyable and memorable. I don’t know how I would have survived this internship without these people.

The saddest part about leaving this internship is leaving the junior golfers. For two plus years I have watched these kids grow up and mature not only in their game, but personalities. I’ve seen them perform great and I’ve watched their rounds crumble. I’ve been a support system to some of those kids for years and I hope they know that no matter what, I’ll always be there for them. They’re incredible kids who have taught me a lot as well and I know they’re going to go so far in life.

I’m only a week removed from my internship and I can’t help but reminisce on all the memories I have from this experience. Two years is a lot of time to make memories. I’m so grateful and blessed from everything I experienced in this job and who it has allowed me to become. It’s definitely a bittersweet time, but my life is going in another direction and it’s time to step away. I’ll always be around for JGAA to support the people I’ve connected with and now call a friend.