A recent speaker told the group of interns, "There is no other institution with a higher recognition of goodness and professionalism than National Geographic."  And he assured us that we would always look back on our time here with fond memories. I can't speak for all interns, but I still feel about as dazed and bewildered now--eight weeks passed--as I did on my first day. Pulling up "The Insider" every morning makes me feel like one of an exclusive club, with access to resources and information every avid Nat Geo fan longs for. You want to take my picture for a badge? Sure, go right ahead; even if it does scream INTERN across the front. And finally, the email address nearly put me over the edge. While I never quite graduated to making myself a signature with which to end all my emails--about as official as it gets--I certainly am delighted to see my name come up in the email domain.

The strange thing is, despite my very intern-ish enthusiasm and probably naive amazement, it seems as if the novelty never wears off. I still secretly delight in watching people's reaction to that wearisome question, "So where do you work?" Even better is when the people who ask are interns on the Hill. That's right, I say to myself as I read their awed expressions, I even get an email account.

Nearly every staff member I talk to unknowingly confirms this observation of pride for working at this institution. One recently told me, "I've been here for ten years, and I still can't believe I work at National Geographic." From the cross-cubicle talk on the third floor to random conversations in the cafeteria, I know that the talent, drive, and good humor I've encountered will stay with me as I soon navigate my way out of class and hopefully into a career.

My brief association with National Geographic has broadened my perspective on what I would like a future career to hold. No matter where I end up, I hope my work is driven by two things: one--a passion for the work I do, and two--a real respect and pride for the organization or institution I contribute to. And this, perhaps, is the greatest impression National Geographic Society has made on me during the summer. After all, behind the thousands of timely stories produced here for over a century, there is a multitude of staff that passionately worked to see them through, sustaining this institution so that you and I might dream big too.