Graham Youngs '11 - I think most college kids are looking for three things in a summer job, and in no particular order: a source of income, career experience, and a change of pace. I have done my best to satisfy these categories and go a little beyond.
This summer I am landscaping Mon.-Wed., Fri and Sat with a small crew in my hometown of Zionsville, IN. This job in itself satisfies the three previously mentioned categories as I am working 10 hour days, learning an arsenal of manual and business related skills, as well as spending time in the great outdoors. Perhaps most interesting however, is the fact that I am the only American on my crew — I work with four experienced landscapers (Juan, Jose, AJ, and Hugo — affectionally referred to as Gordo). Originally from Tijuana, my coworkers speak varying degrees of English, but all work furiously and have a great sense of humor. I was extremely excited to learn that I would need to use some Spanish, as I will be spending the upcoming fall semester in Spain and need to brush up on some of my conversational Spanish skills.
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On Thursdays I put my landscaping routine on hold when I drive to Indianapolis and have the fortunate opportunity to be interning with Primary Colours, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to integrating visual artists and the community. If I were to describe Primary Colours in one word it would have to be - well - cool. I work in a colorful dual-function office/boardroom on the third floor of the Stutz building with woxy radio playing the future of rock and roll in the background.
Furthermore, I work alongside Wabash Alumnus and Executive Director, Hugh Vandivier '91. Hugh, much like myself, was not drawn to art for art’s sake. Rather, he has a background in journalism, and he might as well have a master’s degree in multitasking because he functions as the grant-writing specialist, lead fundraiser, and PR person all in one.
During the course of my internship I have been learning the basics of grant-writing and strategic planning from someone who has helped keep a budget in the black amidst economic downturn. More importantly, I have been able to give back to the organization using both writing and media skills. Recently I was tasked with writing an interview script and filming a short fundraising video starring Hugh and myself. This video will be placed on the Primary Colours website and will be used to inform donors. Earlier this summer I conducted artist interviews during a newly added event, Installation Nation. This event featured thirteen artists from around the Midwest who were selected to create ten installation pieces within five giant, metal shipping containers.
My summer experiences have not only provided me with a whole host of new skills, but have placed me in situations where I am able to utilize skills I have learned while at Wabash College. Perhaps the most important thing I have learned from my summer experience is the ability to take every opportunity and make the most of it.
I have the opportunity to participate in something special at Primary Colours and although I only work ten hours a week, these are ten hours I could have spent watching tv, and as popular aphorism at Primary Colours puts it: “less TV more art.” I am truly happy with the way my summer is shaping up.
