It is my last day here at the Sagamore Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana. Words cannot even begin to explain the experience I have had during my time here. It has been hard for me to realize that I am actually leaving this place. When you are living somewhere for a month or so you begin to develop an understanding of your surroundings. If you like what you are surrounded by, you begin to identify with it. That is what Indy and the Sagamore Institute has done for me. I truly love this place and everyone who works here and contributes to the think-tank's mission. I have grown to fit in very well with every here at Sagamore and I have no intentions of breaking any of these relationships even when I return to Eureka.
I have had a different feeling leaving this place that I cannot describe but I know that this experience, even though it was only five weeks, has been one of the most profound experiences in my life. I have learned a lot from genuine people in how to interact with others and how to be a leader. I also feel I have learned a lot that I have not yet accessed. I cannot explain the feeling but I know I am taking a lot more out of the Sagamore Institute than I put in; although I plan to continue my efforts in helping Sagamore in any way I can.
This place was special. Even as an intern you are given important tasks that actually matter and are usually specialized to exactly what you are interested in. My Assignment Detroit project is now nine single-spaced, 11 font, pages long and I have not even spoke on my personal reflections of the project. Who would have known I would get an assignment that is dealing with exactly what I am interested in? I also wrote a piece on the nonprofit sector in Elkhart, IN, another city that has been devastated by the economy. That piece was published in a booklet for the Office Depot Foundation and it is now a two page spread and I was able to see a copy of the booklet. I believe they will send me a copy when Jay returns with extras. On top of all that Wes and Jay wanted me to create a discussion for the Detroit project and I have been working on that this week and it should become a web feature for Sagamore's website in the near future. The opportunities here are endless.
It still feels weird that I am leaving today but I have confidence that I will stay in contact with Sagamore and be able to contribute to the Institute. I have also met some good friends here. One of the interns will become a friend who I will keep in contact with for time to come. We have shared some good experiences during my time here at Sagamore. My roommates were also very good guys and I am glad I was able to foster a good relationship with them; especially since they work for the National sector of my fraternity... Despite that being true I still believe we have created a genuine friendship that will prove to endure over time.
Being here in Indianapolis reminds me of how great the Midwest really is. I have lived in Michigan and Illinois and now I will always consider Indiana another home to me.
Thanks for following us interns at the Sagamore Institute,
Brent Glass
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