The Summer I Turned 21

I honestly don't even know where to start. This will be a long read, but a good one. So prepare yourself.

Before Austin

Seattle and Alaska. 2 different places, yet the only thing in common was rain. In order to go to Alaska, we had to port out of Seattle and boy is this the most amazing city I've ever been in. The foliage and cityscape was exactly the kind of place I imagined myself living in. I love love love Seattle and I would 1000% go back. We went to the infamous Space Needle, the aquarium, the Amazon spheres, the Pike Market Place, and the modern and science museums. Honestly the perfect city. I bought a JellyCat too so what more could I ask for.

In terms of Alaska, it was rainy, cold, windy, and everything I hate.. yet the scenery really saved it. The cruise was for 7 days and the boat was fun, just a little odd being wrapped in jackets rather than bikinis but HEY I turned 21 the day we boarded. So you know I had to try every drink (duh to know what I like in the real world). But overall the ship was catered towards an older audience, but that also means better food and less kids. We went to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and British Columbia. Mind you, EVERYDAY rained. But I still really enjoyed it and now I can say I've been to Alaska!

During Austin

My internship started the day after I got back from Seattle, so you can imagine how tired I was. I settled in the night before at my apartment and was mostly nervous but the next morning I started driving to the Dell headquarters and all those worries washed away. Driving down the green hills, seeing people outside running at 7:30 am, and the thought that I was really in Austin set in easing my nerves.

Work

Coming into Dell was nothing short but an amazing experience. I connected with so many people, made some amazing friends, and learned an unbelievable amount. There was nothing more I wanted in an internship, I would even go to say this was perfect. HOWEVER, with big companies comes doubts. And I mean doubts in myself. I had so many co-interns in my cohort and that goes to say that everyone was SO talented. So I found myself having major imposter syndrome and comparing my worth in being in the company (really goes with everything new and scary) My team was product marketing, something I'm not familiar with, and everyone seemed on top of their game. So I was definitely lost at some points and didn't know where to navigate. BUT I decided to stop comparing and start embracing the change. I took charge of my project and every decision I thought was scary, I had to trust my gut. If I was scared to have a one-on-one, my heart would race as I sat in the meeting waiting for them to pop up, but every time I pushed through, it would always helped me more than I knew. About a 1/3 through, I also started asking more questions and being more engaged. I knew that my experience was made through the way I make it so I had to make sure every doubt was proven wrong and boy was I right.

Throughout the internship, the marketing program really spoiled us. I went to SO many events and happy hours that really was something I'll never forget. To give you a list we did: happy hours, pottery events, volunteer bracelet making, baseball games, golf tournaments, national intern events, birthday box decorating, and our end of year boat cruise! I definitely forgot a few things, mind you this is only what was hosted by Dell itself. The interns I've met and the meaningful relationships I've made have been what have made this summer what it was. I'll explain more in the "Lifestyle" section. But overall the project I did gave me so much insight on our product portfolio, a technical mindset and a strong understanding of the AI landscape. My project deemed really important and it gave me freedom to make my own timeline and make decisions on my own jurisdiction. Which of course is scary, but I learned SO much about my department, my team, outside my team, and even the type of marketer I want to be. The whole program allowed us to have skill building session, executive speaker events, and hands-on marketing experience. It was everything I wanted and more out of my summer. In terms of my presentation, I think I did amazing. LOL maybe a little too blunt, but I don't think it's a crime to give myself credit for 3 months of work in a 10 minute presentation. My mentors and buddies were proud of me and honestly I left my work feeling great of what I was able to accomplish. Very grateful for the whole experience.

Lifestyle

In terms of my life in Austin outside of work. I have no words besides I want to come back. The city life, the people, the nightlife, the COFFEE, and of course the people I was able explore the city with. I didn't mention earlier, but the friends I took away from the internship are some friends I know I would 100% keep after this summer. We went for happy hours, market vendor events, clubbing, bar hopping, concerts, picnics, dinners, and so much more together. I, of course, had my favorites and I spent a lot of time with them this summer, I'm even visiting one of my closest ones in Boston later this year because of how close I got with her. I do want to give a BIG shoutout to the one and only Lam Dang. If it weren't for her this summer would have been scary and lonely. She of course had her internship at the infamous IBM but we would always find time to spend time with each other. Honestly the best summer with the bestest friend I could have. Whether it was speakeasy's, trying different cuisines, coffee places, bars, wine nights, outdoor activities, paddle boarding, market vendors, or even getting a TATTOO together?? We did everything on our bucket list and more and I wouldn't want it more with anyone else. Overall, Austin was made for me and my lifestyle in my life now. Everyone is so healthy.. and eat healthy.. and have a good self mindset that translates to me to want to better myself. This city is exactly where I want to be out of graduation. So I love you Austin and I can't wait to be back. Cross my fingers!!

After Austin

I'm actually writing this blog back in Houston right now and as I'm writing I'm reminiscing. Not that I'm sad, because I still love Houston regardless of my experience in Austin. It's good to be back and now I get to finish off my last year strong. I'm going to be a mentor again, depending on my full-time offer status, and I'm super excited just very nervous because my Lammy poo co-mentor is not mentoring this semester. I've always wanted to try solo mentoring, but the thought is dawning and I don't know how it'll turn out but I'm trusting my life balance and letting each semester be an experience of it's own. I'm also possibly traveling to Oregon with Lam?? And I'm going to Boston with the girls in November hehe, that's when I'm meeting my favorite co-intern. I also plan to go to Florida with JR so we can do the Universal and Disney parks. Our favorite dates are amusement parks and rides so of course we had to do it. My plan for the rest of the year and school year is to enjoy everyday to the fullest and travel as much as I can, WHILE I can. I'm super excited and I know this year will be the year.

Thanks for reading and I'll definitely be giving more updates. But these are my little moments this summer and I can't wait for the semester to start!!