Shining Star Intern: Fiona's Reflections on her time as an intern at United Way of Central Georgia!

Hi!

My name is Fiona Leary, and I'm a junior attending Stratford Academy. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a month-long internship at United Way of Central Georgia, working alongside the Communications Director, Amanda Greechan.

When I first started my internship, United Way was a familiar name that I had heard a few times, but I didn't fully grasp the organization's purpose or mission. However, after just one day with Mrs. Greechan, I was quickly astonished by the resounding impact that this organization was making in our community. Throughout my time there, I visited the Brookdale Resource Center on multiple occasions and witnessed firsthand the tireless efforts of United Way employees in helping others. Their dedication inspired me to make a difference in Central Georgia, leading me to embark on my Girl Scout Gold Award project at Brookdale, where I aim to improve the mental health and well-being of the residents living there.

My experience at United Way of Central Georgia has been incredibly gratifying as it introduced me to an entirely new aspect of our community that I was unaware of before. Witnessing the countless ways in which United Way improves people's lives across the region was truly inspiring. As an intern, I was entrusted with a variety of tasks, each with varying difficulty levels. Regardless of the assignment, I knew that my contributions were essential in supporting the employees' vital work, allowing them to focus on their more significant responsibilities.

As the new school year approaches, my internship at United Way of Central Georgia will come to an end. Although I won't be working there anymore, I am committed to embodying United Way's values and convictions in my daily life. I am grateful for this experience, and it has instilled in me a profound desire to continue making a positive impact in our community.

Thank you for allowing me to share my journey and experiences with you. Together, let's strive to create a stronger and more vibrant Central Georgia.