Internship Reflection

My name is Mac Ferrone, a senior at Loyola University Maryland who will graduate in May. Looking back over the semester and my college experience, a significant highlight has been serving as a Maryland Book Bank Program Intern!

I love storytelling in all its forms, with books at the core of my interest. Likewise, I was immediately intrigued by MBB and their mission to help all children “realize their full potential through the power and magic of books.” Some of my greatest memories from childhood revolve around the books I read–so having the ability to, in my own way, be a positive influence for others starting or continuing to read was and is an incredible privilege.

One of my primary tasks this semester was composing regular blog posts, which touched on internal and external matters related to the MBB. Through all the blogs I created–whether they focused on “...The Threat of Book Deserts” in Baltimore, “Baltimore’s Literary Landscape,” or “The Value of Positive Work Opportunities for People with Disabilities”–I felt more and more in tune with the broader world past Loyola, and the world I would be walking into post-graduation. Moreover, I thank the MBB for allowing me to become engrossed in so many different facets of their organization. While I was already proud to contribute to their mission, I felt even prouder each week as I continued researching and reflecting on what they do and who they connect with. 

Another one of my tasks involved crafting new nonfiction section dividers–graphics designating what types of books are where–for the public side of the Warehouse. It was a long process, and I created 53 different graphics in total. However, I am satisfied to know that I was able to help maintain MBB’s high standards of quality and better help visitors find books they may be interested in! 

However, these tasks were only part of what made my internship so special. Having the chance to go into the Warehouse so often was a treat, as I was able to learn about how MBB worked through direct experiences organizing books and shelves or helping to run events–such as many Bookmobile visits to schools and hosting the Baltimore Ravens for a session of book sorting! Likewise, I was also given the freedom and confidence to lead groups of volunteers, who come in weekly. Though initially feeling very nervous to work and serve as a guide for people I had never met, and in a workplace I was still new to, I was given endless chances to improve and become more effective. Now, I feel more at home with the processes of the MBB and am proud to have used my unique personality and gained skills to help sort tens of thousands of books!

Ultimately, through all of my experiences and the opportunities I was able to take on, I have become a much more confident writer when it comes to more informational and journalistic pieces. I have become a more confident leader and communicator when working with new people. Finally, I grew a deeper appreciation for Baltimore (my home for the past four years), and non-profit organizations–how they can make a true, noticeable change in the people they support. Whether one interns here or not, I recommend volunteering at the very least–it is a fantastic organization run by wonderful people!

I am not sure where I will go after graduation, but working with organizations that treat their work and communities with the same level of care as the Maryland Book Bank does is a must. 

Works Cited:

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