Life Lessons

This summer I went on an adventure like no other. I traveled far, I spent quality time with my husband, I learned a lot of great life lessons, I met some lifelong friends, and along the way I found a new place to call home. Here’s my story of being the GiGi’s Playhouse summer intern.

Before my internship began, my sister and I drove 2,012 miles across the country from Lowell, NC  to Layton, UT. We made many fun stops along our journey like Nashville, TN and St. Louis, MO, but my favorite of all was the stop in Layton, UT. I had no idea what my internship would entail, but I knew that it gave me the opportunity to see my husband the most I have seen him in the past 2 years and I knew it put me one step closer to my undergraduate graduation. Those two facts alone were enough to make me excited for my internship at GiGi’s Playhouse – Layton. The parts that I did not know about my internship were the parts that I found most memorable and learned the most from. Below are 5 important life lessons that I learned interning at GiGi’s Playhouse – Layton.

  1. It is often said that communication is key and that may be true, but so is adaptation. I have always been a planner. I have a planner book that is color coordinated according to class subject or job and I write lists for absolutely everything. However, I learned that when moving to a new state, living in a new home, or teaching the Preschool Preparation program at GiGi’s, it’s important to have a plan but also to know that you’re going to have to adapt to the curve balls that life throws your way. So, plan but always be prepared to adapt because honestly, that’s when you begin making memories.

 

  1. Wake up everyday making the choice to wear a smile, radiate joy, and spread positivity. I learned so much from Becky, our Site Coordinator, this summer. The greatest thing that she taught me, likely without realizing it, is that a positive attitude may be the only thing that saves the day. Like many other jobs there are some chaotic days working at GiGi’s Playhouse. However, even on the busiest, most exhausting days Becky never missed a beat. She always wore a smile, laughed through the chaos, and put everyone before herself. Be like Becky. She’s amazing.

 

  1. When you get thrown up on, laugh it off. There are a lot harder things that happen in life. This is exactly what it sounds like.  Breathe, shake it off, and move on because little moments like this happen everyday. Take everything in strides and remember that you are so much stronger than anything that is thrown at you.

 

  1. Just enjoy the journey. Remember the good, the bad, and the ugly because you may never get the opportunity to experience them ever again. It breaks my heart to know that I will never again be an intern with GiGi’s Playhouse. I had so many life changing and heart warming experiences at this place. Among all of the things that I learned, I met so many amazing people, and had more fun than I have ever had in my life.

  2. Home really is where the heart is. I have fallen in love with GiGi’s Playhouse. Coming in as the intern, I had no expectations. I guess that was a good thing, because they all would have been exceeded. Everytime I walked through the doors at GiGi’s I felt loved, appreciated, and more confident than I have ever felt in my life. I was worried about getting homesick because I only knew one person in the entire state of Utah. Looking back at it, there was no need to be worried because GiGi’s Playhouse became my home.

 

To everyone at GiGi’s Playhouse – Layton,

Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This summer I learned more than I have ever learned in a classroom, I laughed often, and I created so many great memories. This is such a special place and I cannot believe that I got the privilege of interning here. Thank y’all for being so welcoming and accepting of my southern twang. I love each of you so much and cannot wait to be back in December.

Thanks for all you have done for me. I’ll see you soon GiGi’s Playhouse.

 

Jenna High

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