As I searched for internships this summer, I knew I wanted to do something unique that would have a lasting effect on my life. I was longing for an internship experience where I truly had to “buy into” the business. I wanted an experience where I felt like I could make a difference, learn lifelong lessons, and think on my feet. My internship at Nantucket Bike Tours with Courtney and Jason Bridges ’98 has met and exceeded all of these expectations.
I have learned many things while leading bike tours around this beautiful island 30 miles out to sea. The first lesson I learned was that, when running a small business, one must be “on” at all times. Whether eating out at a restaurant, walking through town, or eating dinner at home while booking a bike tour for the next day, a small business owner must always be “on.” In a tight-knit community like Nantucket, one must be smiling, friendly, and eager to seek conversation with others at all times!
Another valuable lesson I have learned thus far is to be involved in the community. Whether volunteering at a local event, supporting a friend’s endeavor or even just showing up to town meetings, it is important to be involved. Not only does this help create relationships you may not have had, but it also shows that you are a leader in your community. We have been given the privilege of a Wabash education and in turn, we have an obligation to give back and lead when possible.
One of my goals for the summer was to become more comfortable and confident in social environments. In addition to reading and analyzing Dale Carnegie’s How to Make Friends and Influence People, Courtney and Jason have put Cole Crouch ’17, Kazimir Koehring ’18, and myself in social settings where we need to interact with others. We discuss the importance of body posture, eye contact, and confidence. Being a naturally shy person, this was difficult for me at first. However, after attending events such as the Maria Mitchell Gala, the Samuel Owen Art Gallery, and the Nantucket Comedy Festival, I have become more comfortable when seeking conversations and approaching others.
In addition to these great lessons, I have improved my ability to think on my feet. It is impossible to predict what will happen on a bike tour or where the day will take us. When running a small business, one must be open to change and have a stable mindset when challenges arise. Whether we’ve been picking up last minute bikes for a tour, fixing bikes, or scheduling last minute customers, I have learned to make quick, responsible decisions.
As a rising senior interested in a career in dentistry, I am grateful to be learning these lessons now. Meeting different people on the bike tours each day, attending community events, and always being “on,” have given me a glimpse of the relationships, interactions, and insights that are all a part of running a successful small business.
I believe that my entire experience so far will enhance my ability to practice dentistry one day and will allow me to enjoy the relationships I build with my patients. I am thankful that Wabash is able to provide great opportunities like this through the Small Business Internship Fund. I see great value in experiencing a small business first hand and I look forward to learning more throughout the summer.
