Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden x Partnership For the Future

Partnership For the Future interns Jamia and Preston

Two nonprofit organizations: one of the top public gardens in the US (LGBG) and a Richmond-based college preparatory program (PFF). We are the products of both.

PFF or Partnership For the Future is a seven year college model that begins during a high school student’s sophomore year, then follows them throughout the rest of their high school and college careers. Students participate in workshops, discussions, activities, and go on field trips in order to equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the college application process and in college itself.

This is the program that Jamia and I come from – the bridge that connected us to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Now that we have completed the high school portion of the program, our seasonal internship unfortunately comes to a close. But we are by no means leaving empty handed, we’re taking professionalism, soft skills, and experience with us. Here are our respective garden experiences:

Jamia

Optimistic is what I chose to be when I received the update on my internship placement. The Garden wasn’t where I expected to be placed but it gave me the opportunity to be in an environment I’ve never been to. Given the chance to explore levels of professionalism as well as the workforce, I took it upon myself to make the most of it. 

The conversations I’ve had plus the amazing people I’ve met have tremendously impacted my character. I’ve gained the following skills: initiative, research, documentation skills, and I’ve also learned how to work with people with disabilities. 

My supervisor has given me so much room to be myself and she’s been very supportive along this journey. She guided me on how to converse with the staff, how to take initiative with work I want to do, along with meeting with me to debrief about what I’ve learned or what I want to pursue. The staff are immensely welcoming but my favorite part about meeting everyone is that no matter who I meet, I gain inspiration.      

I’d like to thank the organization for allowing me to blossom in the way that I did.

Preston

When PFF first placed me here, I was as grateful as I was anxious. I had never been to Lakeside up until this point, and I was deathly afraid of bugs, but I was optimistic. As it would turn out, I was right to be.

Everyone was so inviting that I never felt like I couldn’t ask questions or reach out. Whether it was from the youth and family engagement team, marketing or exhibitions, the staff gave me the freedom to participate wherever I wanted to fit in. Compared to other spaces that I have worked in, Lewis Ginter embodies what an organized and healthy workplace should be like.

From the skills that I have picked up to the advice that I’ve been given, I got to discover things that can benefit me in the future – things that most people my age don’t know. I learned how to use business software, professional-grade applications, and properly communicate with upper-level management. 

But I also realized where I had some room for growth. Whether it was finding a new way to solve problems, figuring out what actions would be best for a given situation, or even following protocols and procedures, I saw people put their best foot forward, and it inspired me to do the same.

Throughout my internship, Partnership For the Future consistently checked up on me to see how I was doing and if I was enjoying my time at the garden. They gave me good business practices that I could utilize, and I did just that.

I’ll be so happy to come back when I’m a fully fledged college graduate & see everyone who has supported me thus far. This includes the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden & Partnership For the Future staff.

If I had to sum up my time at the garden with one phrase, it would be “You can learn anything from anything,” and I’m so grateful that I got to learn from the garden.

Thank You

We’re happy to say that the bridge that PFF has created for us is no longer necessary because we can confidently walk in this garden on our own.

Thank you Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden x Partnership for the Future for everything that you have done for us. We hope that our achievements inside and outside of either organizations will continue to make you proud.