I don’t even know where to start. The last few weeks with the Firecracker Foundation has been such a journey, and I am so, so grateful for Tashmica for letting me on for the ride.
When I started this internship, I knew it would be an amazing opportunity. As someone who has worked in non-profits before, I was excited to be able to incorporate my love for my community as well as my love for social media (yes, I am one of THOSE people). I wish I could say I knew what I was getting myself into and I was fully prepared for the rush of emotions this internship would awaken but really, I had no idea.
I had no idea that I would feel so sad during this internship. Not that I wasn’t happy with my work at the Firecracker Foundation, because it will seriously go down as one of the most influential times in my life. The truth is during the first few weeks at the Firecracker Foundation I felt helpless, and that hurt my soul. I felt guilty for not knowing what was happening in my community, and I felt enraged by the fact that we even need a place like the Firecracker Foundation.
During my internship I have been so fortunate to hear and see a community that I never felt connected to before. A couple of weeks ago, I attended a meeting of survivors to discuss the upcoming calendar project #Soulfire2015.
I went in expecting to discuss color schemes and backdrops.
I left emblazoned with the stories of the bravest people I have ever met.
I left changed.
The proverbial switch in my head had gone off. I wasn’t sad anymore. I was empowered. I didn’t feel helpless; instead I knew that I had been given an extraordinary opportunity to do something.
It’s easy to sit behind a computer and type words; it’s not always so easy to connect those words with emotions. Through this experience, I have never felt so connected to anything. And now rather than feeling helpless and out of control, I feel strong. YOU made me feel strong. Because YOU ARE STRONG.
I thank you all for letting me be a part of your journey. And I thank you for sharing your unwavering bravery and strength with me.
-Maggie Lasley, Social Media & Communications Intern
P.S.- If any of you would like to share your Firecracker experience, you are welcome to get in touch with me at maggie@thefirecrackerfoundation.org, we would love to hear from you!
