SaVonne Bennette ’19 Nantucket Bike Tours – I feel incredibly grateful for being accepted for the Nantucket Bike Tour (NBT) internship. I have gained small business experience, while developing my character and social skills. Working on these social skills has put me in the position to be the best person I can possibly be. Throughout this summer, I learned more than I ever could have expected. From the first week, Joey Lenkey ’19 and I were able to see how Courtney and Jason Bridges ‘98 are “always on.” Whether that is smiling to every person you walk by on the street, or introducing yourself to the person who made your sandwich. They initiate conversations with the purpose of starting new relationships.
Here, I learned that no conversation is insignificant. Jason and Courtney challenge us to be more open, and “Become comfortable with being uncomfortable.” That is why we practice introducing ourselves to anybody we come across. As soon as you learn a persons’ name, a relationship has begun. Before I came to Nantucket I struggled to show my interest in conversations. However, now I have seen the value of active listening. It shows the person you are speaking to that you are engaged, and genuinely interested in what they have to say.
We were fortunate to have Cole Crouch ’17 this summer as one of our mentors. Cole was a previous intern for NBT in the summer of 2015. He has been a great resource in helping us grow during this internship. The daily challenges we experience help us develop our emotional intelligence throughout the summer. Bright and early, we start the day off by vocalizing our goals with Cole. Speaking your goals not only improves your motivation but it also holds you accountable.
To give the best tour possible, we are challenged to connect with each person on our tour. For example, reading the groups body language while also giving a speech allows us to modify the experience for the customer. When we aren’t on a tour, we also spend time in the Handlebar Café, introducing ourselves and building relationships. Every part of the day is used to making the most of opportunities to engage with people.
Over dinner, which Joey and I have to cook once a week, we discuss our challenges and victories of the day. We analyze each other’s challenges, and are not only asked to take constructive criticism, but to give feedback to help us all grow in the future. Giving and receiving feedback on a day-to-day basis will allow me to improve and work well with others.
This internship has taken away many boundaries for me. I am now comfortable enough to go to China after I graduate. This internship has taught me to not fear what I don’t know, but to be open to new experiences. My career goal is international business, so diving head first into their culture would be the best way to become as familiar as possible with the language and people.
My internship experience is made possible because of Small Business Internship Fund. I am thankful that Wabash College offers opportunities like this because it provides hands-on small business experience. Moreover, I am thankful for career services for all the help and support that they provide Wabash students. This has been a life changing experience that would not have happened otherwise.
