Her Internship Diary: Letters Against Depression (LAD)

Hi loves! I’ve been getting a bunch of questions about my new internship with Letters Against Depression… so I decided to do a monthly post about it – sounds fun?  The posts or my “diary” will include; FAQ’s, tidbits of my tasks, sneak peeks to some LAD projects, my growing portfolio of the work I do for them (graphic design), and other lovely goodies! I hope you guys will enjoy it! _________________________________________________________________

The Goods: (my Portfolio)

The Tidbits; I recently designed a few event fliers for LAD and this is how they turned out! I’m quite proud of them! Some other tasks this week (due Sunday!) were the following: Sign up for Zoom events, Make graphics for said events, log my hours, write a bio for the website, write a blog post, sign up for managing the Facebook page, sign up for making a Spotify playlist, send in my story to receive a letter myself, write two letters, film a video of mailing the letters, take videos of my workspace and photos of the letters!

I’ve also been coming up with ideas for the organization and writing them down! I love me some lists!

The Scoop/FAQ‘s; Well firstly, I’m so blessed for getting the chance to work with such a dedicated and wonderfully epic organization! Kim – the internship coordinator is a dream to work for/with.  She’s most definitely not a “boss” – more like a fellow, friendly advocate for Mental Health and a personal cheerleader.  Maybe one day I’ll make a trip to meet her and a separate trip to meet the founder of LAD…

Letters Against Depression Meet Up anyone?!

Note: Are there any bloggers that are currently interning? Comment below and tell me about it?

Q: What is your schedule (specific hours) like?

A: I really don’t have specific hours, I try to look at it as a job though and work actual hours mostly.  But since I’m working from home, I’m able to have lovely breaks whenever I need to. We basically email back and forth throughout the day, and if any tasks come up, I’m happy to do them!

Q: How did you land an interview?

A: My epically fancy resume I assume? Hahaha, not. I guess something caught Kim’s eye and my hard work paid off.

Fun fact: My interview was at 9PM, lasted till 10PM and then we scheduled a second interview at 11:00 and talked till almost 2AM! So great – ahhh!

Q: How did you score the internship?

A: I almost didn’t apply – but I basically applied on a whim, crossed my fingers, and waited.  (don’t ever doubt yourself!!)  Then almost immediately Kim sent an email (it was more like after an hour, I’m being dramatic!) During the second interview she swiftly sent me an email unbeknownst to me (I thought it was to someone else) and the rest is history – and it still feels like it’s a dream!

Q: What is LAD all about? What is their mission?

A: They are a non profit organization that provides hope and support to those battling mental illnesses through the power of handwritten letters. They have over 5,000 volunteers who have written over 40,000 letters that have personally impacted each one of our recipients’ lives. They have connected people from over 60 countries, being the voice of hope and support for every person of all ages.

In today’s world, over 1 billion people struggle with the burden of a mental illness. Mental illness is often seen as a taboo in society which makes it more difficult to seek support during dark times. And often many people go through this burden alone.

They hope to be the beacon that guides those in this battle out of the darkness and into the light through the power of handwritten letters.

Q: How does one become a volunteer?

A: Check out the Letters Against Depression Volunteer Portal here and sign up!

Q: What are you/will you be getting out of this?

A: Tons of super fun knowledge about the non-profit world, new skills for my resume that will hopefully further my career and better my life. First hand experience with the behind the scenes of an organization, possible friendships and mentors, and an opportunity to move on to leadership after the internship!! (WAY better in my opinion, than money anytime!!) _________________________________________________________________

If you have any questions for me (or Kim) let me know – either comment here or send them to me via email. Thanks – we’d love to answer them! (: _________________________________________________________________

What I’ve learned this month;

• Always go for it, even if you don’t think you can do it/or don’t think you’re qualified enough.
• How much I love Canva and graphic work – and how fast I can whip something up!
• Not to be shy in sharing your ideas/opinion.
• Find something you love and make it a career – Kim and Co. are a fine example of this!!
• Never, ever give up on your dreams and/or goals!
• The non profit industry is fun but has its challenges!
• How much fun interning is – I’m addicted!