Take that opportunity. It was presented to you for a reason.
At an event for Butler University College of Communications, the internship director approached me about my former freshman year mentor, Taylor Felder. He mentioned how she interned for PATTERN twice and enjoyed it, and that it’d be a perfect experience since I had a clothing brand and was passionate about fashion.
After he recommended contacting her, I thought for a while about it. I knew only a little bit about PATTERN, but by the sound of it, it seemed way out of my skill set. A local fashion magazine? Surrounded by others with equal or greater talents? Unpaid???? I kept reading and hearing that the ‘experience is far greater than actual pay’ and ‘you have to make the most of it,’ but truly thought they were bluffing to get more people to apply.
I applied anyways, and once I talked to my mentor about the interview process and the environment of PATTERN in general, I felt a bit better. I was pretty stoked after talking to her about it because it sounded like a hardworking place that actually gave solid experience/advice. It sounded like they actually cared about what I’d want to do with my life and how they could help me get there. Then, there were those phrases again:
“The experience is far greater than pay!”
“The internship is what you make of it!!”
Ugh, I guess.
I ended up getting the interview. I’ll never forget signing into the Zoom call to do my group interview—there were three other individuals besides me— and the first thing that came out of Polina Osherov’s mouth after greeting us was “Yeah, so this will be the interview for the last spot of the Summer 2022 internship.”
I tried not to noticeably let my face drop, but boy did that make me freeze up. I had created an insane mind movie of how fun the internship would be and how cool it would be to be surrounded by a bunch of creatives a couple of times a week (sorry Butler, you don’t really have a lot). The thought that there was essentially a 25% chance of getting that spot really set in. But for once, my mind movie played out.
That very same day, just a few hours later, I received an email saying the internship was mine. I couldn’t believe it. A summer alone in Indianapolis, enjoying one of my favorite hobbies, and being around other local creatives. My life has honestly never been the same.
Since then I’ve met some of the most genuine, gifted, and generous people ever in my life. I mean, the idea that I’d be surrounded by six other people passionate about the arts helped, but these interns are also funny and insanely talented. The inside jokes, the genuine laughs, and the atmosphere made a 9-to-5 feel like nothing. Most days, I was upset when 5:30 rolled around and it was time for us to go home. I felt like I had spent a day working towards making a difference in the creative community AND joking around with like-minded people. I truly didn’t want this to end.
Since the start, per my mentor’s request, I’ve continuously told myself to truly make this internship MY experience. I was given the opportunity to run a social media account promoting PATTERN’s good-doings, but with my own spin. I was given the opportunity to sit in on a fashion gala, see a whole new side of creativity in Indianapolis, and truly develop pride in where I live and work as a student.
The employees of PATTERN somehow have a hunch for knowing what’ll work best for each intern and have given us opportunities of a lifetime based on it. Had it not been for me taking up Polina on the idea of applying to be an emerging designer of Indiana Fashion Week, I would have never gotten my brand out of that rut. I had the privilege of showcasing eight looks designed by me. Had I not said yes to helping out with any event outside of work I could, I would have never learned how to network and meet such cool people with different backgrounds, all willing to help me. Had I not made it a point to push myself, I would have never made local news, learned the importance of asking for help when you need it, or understood how to be more open to suggestions and criticisms.
The intern experience is a subjective concept. However, I feel I can speak on behalf of all the interns when I say we’ve utilized our creative talents like never before. I’ve made true friends, learned a bit about the creative process of other fields, and been more open to leaving my comfort zone.
This internship has taught me more than I can type in this little diary entry, but I am beyond grateful for every single moment from the time I park my car near the Stutz to walking down the stairs with the other interns and leaving for the night. The employees are here to help you reach new heights, and the interns are your support group in making these new opportunities happen. You have to trust yourself though. The PATTERN staff is here to help, but only if you are open to receiving it. I feel more prepared than ever for the next chapter of my life, and it all started with one reluctant—but accepted—opportunity.
Take that opportunity. It was presented to you for a reason.
