By Dina Gharib
Former VRG Intern

When I applied for the VRG internship, I didn’t know what to expect. I was just beginning my junior year at UMBC and I knew I needed to start gaining professional experience. I was unsure of what I wanted to become, and saw that this internship would be beneficial to both routes I was considering, as well as my own personal beliefs. In a few short months spent at the VRG office, I am leaving as a completely changed person. I am now confident in my beliefs, as well as my capabilities. Before this internship, I was always too nervous to show others my writing or to talk with fellow co-workers or classmates in fear of judgment. I learned that no one is perfect; that everyone on this earth is trying their best to be the ultimate version of themselves. We learn, we listen, and we grow as individuals. I also learned that every single person on this earth has some wisdom to be shared. Whether you agree with their perspective or not, it is our duty as educated individuals to take all perspectives into consideration, especially if you’re a writer.

I’ve learned that we develop as people through experience and that multiple drafts are necessary in completing a polished well-read article. I also learned that criticism doesn’t have to be something you take to heart; criticism is meant to help develop your thoughts, and allows for the writer to hear other perspectives concerning your work. I was able to push myself to write as much as possible about topics that I am passionate about. I was able to work at outreach events, and meet and talk to like-minded individuals. I was able to spread my knowledge, as well as embrace wisdom from many other people that I probably would not have crossed paths with if I had not done this internship.

My first week consisted of setting up and working at the Natural Food and Products Expo East, one of the biggest natural food conventions on the east coast. Safe to say I was completely overwhelmed. I had no idea how big the industry was, and I felt right at home. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share the same passion as me is an experience that I will not forget. Along with the expo, I had the honor of working at The Vegetarian Resource Group booth at the first Vegan Soul Fest in Baltimore, Maryland. Along with attending these amazing events, I was able to write countless restaurant/food reviews and articles, including an interview I conducted with a local vegan doughnut business. The freedom to write about topics that interested me resulted in the creation of countless pieces that I am legitimately proud of writing. Luckily, since I started my internship with a bang, I also had the opportunity to end it similarly with VRG’s 33rd annual Pre-thanksgiving Vegan Potluck. At the potluck I was fortunate enough to meet over a hundred people who were equally as excited and passionate about food and vegetarianism. Being in a room filled with VRG readers and supporters who were kind yet passionate about a similar topic was the best way I could end months of hard work. While I know that my time here at The Vegetarian Resource Group is over, I’m certain that I am leaving with a lot more wisdom, passion, and friends than I could have ever imagined.

Contact The Vegetarian Resource Group if you would like to intern in Baltimore or long distance. Please send to [email protected] your resume or a link to a bio, with a note detailing your desired dates and times to intern, your skills, short term goals, long term goals, vegetarian/vegan knowledge, and what you hope to gain from the internship. You can see the work of past interns at: http://www.vrg.org/student/index.php

If you would like to support internships, you can donate at www.vrg.org/donate