Julia Comino
My VRG Virtual Internship
Creating a Vegan World
Having grown up in a small, southern town in Mississippi, I had never experienced being a part of a community of individuals who were as passionate about plant-based living and environmental justice as I was until I began my internship with The Vegetarian Resource Group. Within my first week, my relationship with advocacy and how I view my choice to be a vegetarian evolved immensely.
When I made the decision to switch to a vegetarian diet four years ago, I did so rather nonchalantly. I saw this decision as a simple switch toward a more sustainable lifestyle. I stand by my reasoning for my initial choice, but now, after learning about the history of the vegan movement, discussing the positive effects of vegan diets on one's health and the environment, and becoming a part of a community of plant-based individuals, I value my choice much more.
As someone who hopes to pursue a career in journalism, I appreciated this chance to not only view, but experience the editing process and gain a better understanding of what it takes to compose a well-written and well-researched published piece. Whether creating infographics or reviewing vegan products for Veggie Bits, working with the Senior Editor of Vegan Journal was always a joy because of Rissa's cheerful personality. I also had the opportunity to participate in The VRG's Zoom seminar with Professor McShane's class of University of Maryland dietetic students. I listened in on Dr. Reed Mangels' (The VRG Nutrition Advisor) riveting presentations on veganism and nutrition, and had a chance to speak about my experience as a teenager.
One characteristics of this internship that I appreciated the most was the freedom and creativity that I was allowed to have with my projects. While working with Dr. Mangels for the Teen FAQ section on the website, I was able to not only write an article sharing my experience of eating vegan as a low-income teenager but also was encouraged to create other forms of media. I designed a graphic and created a video for The VRG's social media.
I collaborated with another intern, Shantika Bhat, interviewing past VRG interns for the 40th anniversary edition of Vegan Journal. This experience taught me how to work with others in a virtual setting, but I also gained a new friend. Through my projects, I was able to connect with the other summer interns. I am truly sad that my internship with The VRG is coming to an end. My time with The VRG not only improved my skills as a writer but also as an advocate.
Editors' Note: Julia was invited back to do a second internship with The Vegetarian Resource Group.
For information about The VRG internships, see www.vrg.org/student/index.php
