Intern On!

A message from Delaney...   

Fresh off my morning at the 2025 SPARK Interns Summit, I want to share the moments that really stuck with me and what resonated most as a college intern stepping into the professional world:

Inside the beautiful halls of New College of Florida, 90 college-aged interns gathered to take the next step in their careers and connect with others doing the same. Our morning itinerary was packed: keynote speakers, CEOs, presidents, resume-building workshops, networking games, and financial literacy tips. I was amazed at how much I could learn in just five hours about being effective in our roles, and even more so, about the lives of those around me. Through plenty of activities, I found myself remembering names and stories and drawing connections, which reminded me of a similar concept here at Game On of sharing Coins.

One speaker who truly stood out to me was Mrs. Heather Kasten, President and CEO of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. She spoke about the importance of “building your board” and intentionally surrounding yourself with people who are committed to your growth. She challenged us to find those who will guide us, hold us accountable, tell us the truth, and celebrate our wins along the way. “It’s up to you to nurture the relationship,” she said. “More than just what you can get out of it… Reach out! Check in!”

As I listened, I couldn’t help but think of the “board” I’ve already started to build: my past coaches, my best friends, mentors, coworkers, and all of the people who genuinely want what’s best for me. My foxhole buddies when it matters most - and I couldn’t help but feel so grateful for those people in my life.

Finally, Mrs. Jaime Marco left us three takeaways to carry into the rest of our internships:

1. Be intentional by default. Trust is found in the quiet moments. Consistency builds credibility.
2. Pause with purpose. Be slow to respond and slow to anger. Take time to assess what emotions you are feeling, and act when you’re under control.
3. Normalize asking for help. When you don’t know, don’t just act useless. Ask intelligent questions to solve the problem and get better!

I left the summit with a notebook full of wisdom and a heart full of gratitude. As I enter the back half of my summer internship with Game On, I’m reminded how lucky I am to be surrounded by people who lead with heart, challenge me to grow, and celebrate every small win!

Intern On!