This summer was unlike any other. I didn't spend it endlessly roaming the internet or working my usual part-time job. My days on the lake were now days in the scene shop. This summer I finally worked my first theatre internship. This stage manager traded rehearsal reports, prompt books, and for drills, saws, and paint brushes. This summer I worked as a production intern with Ozark Actor's Theatre in Rolla, Missouri.

I remember applying for this position in late February. It wasn't until April, the day before the show I was working opened, I got an email about an interview. It was a week after the interview. I was sitting outside in the heart of our campus while my friends were studying for their finals, I received that email. At first glance, all I read was, "Thank you for interviewing..." I was sure that it was going to be another, "thank you, but no thank you." However, the email was longer than the rejection ones I'm used to receiving. I was in disbelief that a position was actually being offered to me. I screamed.

Flash forward to now. As I'm writing this I just have over a week left at this internship. It's hard to believe how fast this summer flew by. Looking back I gained many valuable experiences and learned important lessons that I can bring back with me to school.

After this summer, I'm much more comfortable working any and almost all the power tools in the scene shop. From the table saw, to a drill, and even a router. I have a new found respect for the scenic crew. I had respect for you guys even before this internship, but now I fully know how hard it can be trying to get the set done before tech comes along. I learned that yes, it is possible to put on a full musical in just over two weeks time. I can feel comfortable building platforms and flats. I even brushed up on my painting skills.

This summer I had the honor to meet some absolutely incredible people, who truly helped shaped my experiences this summer. They helped make Missouri feel like home and I couldn't imagine this summer without them.

The most important lesson I learned was before the internship even started. I learned it when I got that email. The lesson? There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it does get better. It sounds cliche, I know. However, when I interviewed for this internship, I was broken and beaten down. This past year took an emotional toll on me that I thought I would never come out of it. That I would never find a way out. It all changed when I got the email. This internship was my way to bounce back and get on top of my game again. This internship helped me gain my confidence back.

I leave to head back to Michigan just over a week and I am so excited to share my experiences with my fellow peers. To show them what I was taught. In just over a week, I put away the power tools and bring out my prompt book and prepare for classes to start. In just over a week I return home a more confident and better person than I was before I left.