Prompt: Who were you the night before you started your internship? Who are you as you walk off site at the end of your last day? What's changed? If you could go back in time to talk to the you you were the night before it all started, what would you say to your past self? Would your past self be impressed with/proud of your future self? How come/why not?
Answer: The night before I started my internship, I was excited, but nervous to go beyond the norm. For my whole school career, I have only know to go to classes, do my homework, and try my best so I could get into a good college. I didn't know if I could handle having real world work experiences. How could I, a senior in high school, be able to have meaningful conversations with employees at Life is Good? How would I be able to handle driving to Boston in heavy traffic and find a place to park? Most of all, I was nervous to let people like Steve Gross, my parents, Mr. Gianquitti, and Mr. Finnegan down. Today, walking away from Life is Good for the last time during this experience, I am a far more confident, independent, and resourceful person. I am not afraid to do things like talk to people older and wiser than me, drive on the highway during rush hour, ask for help or clarification when I need it, and so much more. I have grown so much than I though I would throughout this experience and I believe my past self would be extremely proud. If I could tell my past self anything on the night before my internship started, I would tell her that there is no such thing as perfection. I would tell her that there will be challenges throughout this experience, but that doesn't make it bad. If anything, it makes will make her stronger and more equip for the real world. I'd hope she would understand that the experience will not be perfect; the experience will not be easy; the experience will be good. I think my past self would be extremely impressed by how much I grew over the course of a few weeks. She would be excited to start this experience and maybe a little more confident in her abilities to make a difference. The Capstone Internship experience is one that I will never forget. I feel I have learned more about what it is like to be an adult in the past few weeks than I have throughout my entire high school career. I recommend this program to anyone and everyone who wants to make the second semester of their senior year meaningful and worthwhile. For all those nervous on the night before the first day of their internship, please remember that life is not perfect; life is not easy; life is good.
Week 8
Date: April 23, 2018 to April 27, 2018
Prompt: Paint a (written) picture your job using all of your senses. What does it smell like there? What are the characteristic ambient sounds? The most notable images/sights? Textures? Can you 'taste' your job? (For example, as a teacher, one of my favorite sound/smell combination is when I assign students and in-class essay and tell them to "Get to it!" For an hour all I hear is a relative quiet littered with the quiet clacking of finders on keys, mingled with the warm, slightly acrid waft of toner as it prepares to spew out students' work. It's paradise! I sit in my seat, close my eyes, and just revel in it.)
Answer: There is plenty to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch while at my desk in Life is Good office: See: Depending on the time of day, I see people either working diligently, having lunch, or having a little fun. Everyone has a presence for how they work best and the Life is Good company accommodates to that (some people prefer to stand at their desks, while other prefer to sit on a yoga balls.) I also see many bright, happy colors that fill the room. Many shirt designs and samples sit around the office waiting to make customers happy. I also see many dogs walking around and exploring the office, often coming up to employees to greet them. When on breaks, many employees choose to go upstair to the tavern to play games and mingle. There is always something to look at while at Life is Good. Hear: Throughout the day, there are many things to hear. For the most part, you can hear the clicking of keyboards as they type. Many people ask each other questions ands collaborate on projects. People can be heard snacking or sipping coffee at their desk. Every twenty minutes or so, a dog get up and shakes, their collar making a calming jingle. When the windows are open, you can hear cars on the busy streets and the steady beep or trucks backing. By the end of the day, people can be heard singing, talking, and saying goodbye to one another for the night. Smell: There is a pleasant smell to the Life is Good office. In the morning, it smells of coffee. By lunchtime, it smells like many different foods. When the windows are open, it smells like a mix of spring and car fumes. The office has many wood accents that make the office smell like a fresh forest. Taste: At Life is Good, I am often tasting coffee in the morning and my lunch at lunch. I drink lots of water or juice throughout the day. There are plenty of snacks ands treats throughout the office. Upstairs, there is a flavored water and coffee machines used daily by employees, Touch: I am often touching the keys of my computer and the Life is Good T-Shirt Contest forms I am entering. After I finish entering a large stack, I like to pick them up and straighten them out. I am often touching the comfy chair at my desk, or couches throughout the office. One of the most important parts of Life is Good shirts is the comfortable materials used to make them. The shirts feel very soft to the touch and comfort those wearing them.
Week 7
Date: April 9, 2018 to April 13, 2018
Prompt: How would the world be different if your industry didn't exist, or if it were to somehow disappear? Speculate and ponder.
Answer: Without the Life is Good Company, the world would be a far more negative place. The large community of people brought together by the power of positivity would not exist. Personally, whenever I see a stranger wearing a Life is Good shirt, I always say hi and complement their shirt. Life is Good has created a community of people who support and love each other. From hardcore fans of the shirts (like me,) to people who own just one, everyone is invited to bathe in the power of optimism everyday. Without the Life is Good Kid's Foundation, there would be a lot more kids who don't know how to play. These kids would not have the support they need to be optimistic despite having had traumatic experiences. Life would be much harder for these kids without the Life is Good Kid's Foundation. Without Life is Good, I would be a very different person. I wouldn't be as optimistic or kind
Week 6
Date: April 2, 2018 to April 6, 2018
Prompt: Sometimes there can be a rather fine line between work and play. How does your industry attempt play? Is it productive? Should it (does it have to) be?
Answer: The Life is Good Company has an office is equipped with Shuffle Board and Foosball tables. It makes sense that employees play often, for the Life is Good Kids Foundation is all about using the "power of play" to help kids heal. I believe they apply this philosophy to creating an efficient workplace too. Bert and John, the founders of Life is Good to know that without play, work cannot be done. From my knowledge, the majority of workplaces in the country do not follow the same philosophy that Bert and John do. At my time in the office of Life is Good, I have seen employees who are able to get lots of work done and be happy. Why would a workplace not be like this? I believe other workplaces should follow LIG's philosophy and make their offices more fun and therefore more efficient. When I look for a long-term job after college, I will make sure to work at a place as comfortable as Life is Good (or even work at Life is Good). Play is an extremely important part of creating a creative, efficient, and enjoyable workplace.
Week 5
Date: March 26, 2018 to March 30, 2018
Prompt: What is the general employee attitude of your internship? Are people driven by their work? Do they seem more interested in socializing/gossiping? Is there an air of respect for the job and the people who do it? Do people see this as "just a job," and if so, how does the attitude influence their daily tasks within the job? Is this a job whose employees make you want to be a part of it? Reflect! Answer: The people who work at Life is Good work there because they want to spread the power of optimism. From the marketers to the designers, each employee brings their unique talents to the table to further the success of the company. The people I have met this week have been nothing but kind to me. Employees are driven to get lots of work done, but also seem to have friends and socialize within the office. Collaboration seems to be very important, for there are many meetings throughout the day. Did I mention they can have dogs in the office?! Well, they can and they are some of the cutest dogs ever. I definitely have an air of respect for those who work at LIG (Life is Good) and believe other do too. Those who consume the products produced at LIG are generally happy with the quality of the products and therefore have respect for those who work there. The fact that 10% of their proceeds go to The Life is Good Kid Foundation allows customers to know LIG cares about others and can therefore further respect them. Some employees from other companies may say those in charge are too flexible, for they are not mad if you are late and there is no scheduled time for lunch; but I think this makes for a rather stress-free and zen office environment. I believe there are days, slow ones, in which employees at LIG see working there as "just a job." Other days, they see their design on a shirt, or help a kind customer over the phone and see working at LIG as "more than a job." Employees are motivated to work through the slower days, knowing that there work will lead to more exciting one. I personally see working there as a dream come true. The employees at LIG make me want to work there or someone similar. The office community is kind and joyous. Those in charge are inspirational and trustworthy. LIG is an amazing place to be an employee.
Week 4
Date: March 19, 2018 to March 23, 2018
Prompt: What is the goal of your industry? Customer satisfaction? Expansion? Profit? Research? How do you know? Is it static, or does it change? Answer: On the website for the Life is Good, they share a statement of purpose: "We see it when we believe it. Each one of us has a choice: to focus our energy on obstacles or opportunities. To fixate on our problems, or focus on solutions. We can harp on what’s wrong with the world (see most news media), or we can cultivate what’s right with the world. What we focus on grows. That’s why the Life is Good community shares one simple, unifying mission: to spread the power of optimism. Optimism is not irrational cheerfulness or 'blind' positivity. It’s a pragmatic strategy for approaching life. Optimism empowers us to explore the world with open arms and an eye toward solutions, progress, and growth. It also makes life a hell of a lot more fun. Optimism also enables us to access the ten most important tools we have for living a happy and fulfilling life. We call them the Life is Good Superpowers. But unlike X-ray vision, bullet speed, or Herculean strength, they are accessible to us all. The Life is Good Superpowers can help you overcome obstacles, drive forward with greater purpose, and enjoy the ride of life." Reflection: I feel this purpose statement completely reflects the goals of Life is Good. They focus on creating products that will spread the power of optimism. Of course, the company needs to make a profit to sustain itself and grow, but they care about those who purchase their products. They make their money by making others happy.
In addition to the purpose statement above, there is also a "Why We Do It" page for the Life is Good Kids Foundation. They explain that "the single greatest health crisis facing children in America is exposure to adverse childhood experience"and their solution to the problem is below: "We believe that healing, life-changing relationships are the foundation of making life good for kids. Research shows that even ONE trusted relationship with a skilled, loving adult can help protect children from the catastrophic, long-term effects of childhood trauma. Many children are fortunate to be born surrounded by loving adults. Their parents, extended families and communities have the resources and abilities to support their children’s healthy development. But, when there’s not a skilled, loving adult at home – or tragic circumstances (illness, disaster, poverty) overwhelm a child’s system of care – a critical line of defense comes from the men and woman who dedicate their careers to helping support the healthy development of children. These childcare professionals – we call them Playmakers – can be found in schools, camps, hospitals, and in a wide variety of social service agencies. The Life is Good Kids Foundation believes that every child needs a Playmaker. By partnering with organizations serving the most vulnerable children, we help childcare professionals nurture life-changing relationships that serve as the source of healing and vehicle of learning for all children." Reflection: The goals of the Life is Good Kids Foundation is to help kids who have been through traumatic experiences. They do not aim to make a profit, but rather fundraise for their cause. Because 10% of the profits from Life is Good products go to the foundation, they also support the company in any way they need. They also aim to train teacher to be playmakers and better the lives of kids in their community.
Week 3
Date: March 12, 2018 to March 16, 2018
Prompt: What food and beverage symbolize your company/industry? Now get profound: turn it into a short story or a personal essay. Answer: I believe that the Life is Good Company and Foundation are symbolized by a glass half full. This image is shown on many of their shirts and is a universal symbol of optimism. Here is that story: Is the glass empty or half full? If you ask any employee at the Life is Good Kids Foundation, the answer will most always be "half full." Now you may be asking: Daisy, what is in the glass? Well, I'm glad you asked. My answer is that glass is half full with grape juice. Every child in the world starts as a grape, round and full of joy. Most kids live generally joyous lives, staying happy little grapes throughout their childhood and into adulthood. Some kids, on the other hand, go through a traumatic experience or experiences, such as illness, disaster, and poverty. Kids who go through traumatic experiences get emotionally squashed and drained. They often grow up quickly and no longer are playful and optimistic. This is where the Life is Good Kids Foundation comes in. Playmakers enters the lives of kids who have been squashed and turn their situation into grape juice. They do this through the "Power of Play," in which these kids are encouraged to play and have fun like they should be. Playmakers show them love and care, giving them the support they need to have a new outlook on their situation, therefore becoming grape juice. The Life is Good Kids Foundation is such an important opportunity for kids who have gone through traumatic experiences to live happy lives.
Week 2
Date: March 5, 2018 to March 9, 2018
Prompt: Who Inspires you at your job? What about him/her do you find inspiring? Who, if anyone, disappoints you? Why? Answer: I am inspired at my job by Steve Gross, the founder and chief playmaker of the Life is Good Kids Foundation. Before I met him in person, I had heard him speak with great passion about the Kids Foundation at the Life is Good Festival. I was inspired to raise money after he explained his mission to spread the power of optimism to help kids heal. A year later, after raising $1,200 and creating a tile mosaic for him and his employees, I was able to meet him in person. I quickly leaned that a hug from him was like being rapped in sunshine. He cared about what I was saying, making direct eye contact, something very few adults care to do for kids. He made me feel like my donation had made a world of difference (even though there were adults in the building that had donated upwards of $100,000.) After our initial time together, I knew I wanted to talk to him and one day work with him. Today, I have spent many hours learning and working with him. He inspires me to think big and help others. He has accomplished so much in him life thus far and I could only dream of being half the person he is. Everyone he meets understands how kind, caring, and thoughtful he is. I am so thankful to be working along side him throughout this experience. He is a mentor and role model to me and inspires me every day to help other and speak the power of optimism.
Week 1
Date: February 26, 2018 to March 2, 2018
Prompt: A CAPStone Internship is more than just doing some job for the second semester of your senior year, it is an investigation of the industry of which you are a part. So to get the ball rolling for you, write about what your initial/preconceived idea of the industry is/was before you started working for your particular company/organization. If you have a point of delineation for where this perspective started, include it. (For example, maybe your initial understanding of this industry stems back to the fact that your aunt or grandfather was involved in it and he spoke about it at the dinner table or at family gatherings.) Answer: The Life is Good Company has played a huge role in making me the person I am today. From age four, I have been wearing the shirts with pride. For a few years in my life, their shirts were the only shirts I wore, prompting my peers to call me "the Life is Good girl." My love for the company grew when I learned about the Life is Good Kids Foundation, for it was helping kids in need. That is why, the moment I heard about the CAPStone Internship, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the industry that has shaped my perspective on life. Prior to this week, I knew the Life is Good Foundation was a non-profit organization within a for-profit company. I knew the Foundation was led by Steve Gross, the college roommate of Bert and John Jacobs, the founders of the Life is Good Company. From the few times I had met them, I knew Steve, Bert, and John were people who encompassed the definition of kind and hardworking. I knew their office space was spacious and bright and those who worked in it were people I wanted to be around. I knew the company about spreading good vibes, something I wanted to do in life. I now know that being an employee at the Life is Good Kids Foundation is fun and enriching experience. Though I was not in the office this week, I learned that raining money for the Foundation takes lots of handwork and planning. I am excited that this Foundation gives me the freedom to create my own events and explore what it means to help people. I know this experience will just keep getting better each week. There a still a lot of things I want to know about the Life is Good Company and the Kids Foundation. I want to know to commute to their office, work at a desk, have lunch with employees, and go home after a day of working hard. I want to learn organizational skills and gain confidence in my ability to host an event or fundraiser. I want to learn how to inflict positivity on a large amount of people. I want to learn, grow, and thrive in the coming weeks.