To my first internship:

Thank you for taking a chance on me.

It means the world and more than you could ever know that you were the first to believe in me. Looking past the fact that I was only a sophomore and looking at my skill set instead was what led me into this incredible position. I was not entering this internship as someone who knew the answers to every question, who had tons of experience in what I was hired to do, but I was confident that I could do the job well. And you knew it, too.

Thank you for allowing me to mess up.

I'm still learning - that's the point. Interns don't typically have a bachelor's degree under their belt. And they certainly don't have all the answers. You understood that! I was eager to learn and execute tasks to the best of my ability, but you also understood when I was having trouble, or when I needed someone to explain it to me again, or when I just flat-out made a mistake. Your patience and kindness made it easy and exciting for me to learn about everything that I possibly could.

Thank you for giving me responsibility.

This is perhaps one of the largest thank-yous of all. I felt like a true and important part of the team all the time. There is no better feeling than doing something right and receiving recognition. Consistently, you made it known that I was an integral part of the company's success, and in turn, gave me the confidence I needed to strive to do my best work each and every day. You struck the perfect balance between understanding that I was a student while also continuously treating me as a professional, and that made all the difference.

Thank you for allowing me to do what I love.

While others were complaining about the work they were assigned or what they had to do during their summer internships, I was thrilled to get up every day and work! I am so sad to be leaving my position because I truly loved every second. I wish I had more time with you!

I could not have asked for a better first internship. I will carry with me what I learned from you forever!