Hello! My name is Amelie and I am the Digital Content and Media Intern with P.S. ARTS. I predominantly work with the Communications Team, but frequently collaborate across other departments. Having recently joined the team, the time I’ve spent so far with P.S. ARTS has been brief, but inspiring. In just over a month here, I’ve been impacted by numerous qualities, values, and goals that have transformed the way I view arts education and nonprofit work.
The very first thing about P.S. ARTS that resonated with me was its deep commitment to belonging. I not only saw this through our programs and events, but also through the ways in which staff would always check-in with one another and prioritize the wellbeing of their team members. My favorite part of our weekly Communications meeting is the closing Show and Tell and Question of the Day, during which the meeting lead shares a piece about themselves and encourages everyone else to do the same. Topics of discussion in the past included sharing things that recently made you smile, your favorite foods of the week, and tidbits about one another that always make me curious to learn more. These few minutes of sharing fond memories or something we’re proud of, no matter how trivial, were small acts of intentional care I quickly found to appreciate at P.S. ARTS.
Another principle I found reflected in P.S. ARTS’ work is a dedication to collaboration and open conversation. Sitting in the DEIB meetings have been a rewarding way to witness these qualities and understand the sheer team effort it takes to develop an idea. As a recent graduate who just freshly departed from the role of a student, it was eye-opening to see how much thought, refining, and critique went into planning a curriculum or program. I was used to being on the receiving end of a final product, blissfully unaware of the careful workshopping, planning, and elbow grease it takes to get there.
However, I’ve also observed that the line between student and educator often gets blurred. My time at P.S. ARTS reminded me that growth is ongoing, and that every conversation, meeting, or shared story holds the potential to teach us something new. Even being on the other side of things, I ultimately find myself and those around me to once again assume the role of a student – perpetually growing, learning, and discovering.
