Interns

2010 Summer

Julia Feerrar

Intern, 2010 Summer

When I first stumbled upon the Friends Journal website last winter, while searching for possible summer internships, I was pretty sure that I had found exactly what I was looking for. Months later, I think I was right.

As an English major and rising college junior, I wanted a summer internship that would allow me to test my interests in publishing and editing through actual experience. During my ten weeks at Friends Journal I've enjoyed participating in many different stages of the magazine's production—commenting on submissions, copyediting articles, selecting poems, proofreading, and attending layout meetings. I've enjoyed witnessing the incredible amount of thought and effort that goes into creating each issue. Friends Journal does a great job of including interns in the editing and publishing process and I don't think I could have had such a hands-on experience anywhere else.

Throughout the summer my learning experience reached beyond the realm of publishing and editing. I've had the opportunity to learn more about myself—my strengths, values, and goals. Now I know that I really enjoy copyediting and other editorial tasks, that I thrive in a friendly work environment, and that I can see myself working somewhere similar to Friends Journal in the future.

Working at a specifically Quaker magazine also shaped my experience and added a deeper level to my learning. Initially, I wondered how Quakerism would play out in workplace values, the content I would read, the people I would meet, and how my experience of Quakerism would compare to or even shed light on my own beliefs. I soon discovered that to work at Friends Journal is to work in a supportive atmosphere where staff members value my opinions and trust me with actual work. Here I've read articles that encourage nonviolence, a deeper understanding of other cultures, seeing good in others, and showing compassion. I've met people who care about the work they do and I've been exposed to a new a way of looking at the world.

Editor’s note: For more detailed information on Julia’s internship, check out her blog “Inside Interning” at http://insideinterning.blogspot.com/.

Sharon Guan

Intern, 2010 Summer

I still remember last April—that month of panicking because I had yet to send out a single application for summer internships. The thought of another wasted summer overwhelmed me. So now when I walk into the Friends Journal office every morning, I recall that stressful period and laugh at myself. Every morning, I see that I have been blessed with an opportunity that exceeds my expectation.

The work is satisfying. Unlike previous jobs where all I do is run after noisy children or reorganize DVD shelves, I finally have a chance to apply my writing skills. For example, the interns here on a daily basis copyedit manuscripts and give their opinions about the choosing of submissions. My supervisor, knowing my love for creative writing, trusted me to spearhead revisions for a short story submission. And my favorite—reading the poetry submissions. One afternoon after flipping through pages of mediocre poems and a few poorly written ones, I stumbled across a collection by Tina Tau McMahon that blew me away. I could not help but reread each poem as her words transported me into a captivating, lyrical world. That refreshing experience made me want to go home and do one thing—write a poem.

Besides the enjoyable assignments, I also love the working environment. I felt little discomfort here. Getting to know the other six or seven interns here on the first day intimidated me, but after a few days of eating lunch together, we laughed as we recounted stories of our weekends and gave each other tips concerning our work. The staff is also a delightful bunch. I don’t know them as well as the interns, yet I love watching them discuss business with serious expressions and hearing them laugh at each other with cutting jokes. Most of all, I treasure the few times when I ate lunch with a few of the staff. Despite our age difference, they welcomed me warmly and told me some of their hardships.

I love interning here because of the work and the people. I can look back and say I had a productive summer. Because of these joys, I feel satisfied. Yet there is more. As I write this testimonial, I also feel grateful. Every day still feels like a pleasant surprise because I stumbled upon an experience so enjoyable despite an application so late.

Amber Hyppolite

Intern, 2010 Summer

I first learned how enriching a Friends Journal internship could be in the fall of 2008. As my friend MaryKate and I waited for a bus together in Florence, Italy’s Oltrarno section, we spoke about her time as an intern at the magazine, which had ended just weeks before. She mentioned that she had learned a great deal about both editing and Quakerism, and praised the people, staff, and fellow interns alike, with whom she had worked. After working at the magazine for 11 weeks, I truly understand her enthusiasm and am happy that I now have my own Friends Journal experience to cherish.

Before I applied for this internship I had feared that my experience would somehow be hindered because I was not Quaker. I was mistaken. I have felt both comfortable here and that my opinions matter, which is rewarding in and of itself. But those aren’t the only rewarding aspects. Very early on it became clear to me that running a magazine is a very collaborative process and I found being part of such an environment invaluable. The office was a place where it was okay to ask questions, where we were encouraged to learn at our own pace, and where there was always something new to do and to discover.

An internship at Friends Journal will give you a great deal of insight into what it takes to run a magazine. Throughout the summer I learned the basics of InDesign, updated the magazine’s production schedule in Excel, and was able to copyedit, proofread, and format articles throughout the various stages of the publishing process. I got to sit at a table with all levels of staff at weekly staff meetings. I even had the chance to research and write a brief news piece for the magazine, for which I contacted and interviewed the newly appointed leader of a Quaker organization. Interns really have an opportunity to make this internship into whatever they want it to be. It can be as grand and as productive as you can imagine. I definitely recommend it.

While here, I was exposed to a variety of issues and viewpoints, which I may not have encountered otherwise. As such, my beliefs have been challenged and my opinions about certain issues have constantly been refined, with each anthology or submission I proofread, which has been very engaging. Having learned about what matters to Quakers today, I now feel more informed about the society we live in.

Nicole Gravlin

Intern, 2010 Summer

Before coming to Friends Journal, I assumed all internships consisted of making copies, running personal errands, and filing—lots of filing. But on my first day at FJ, I was exposed to the world of copyediting, proofreading, and a number of opinions—no filing necessary. Along with the other interns, I was able to express my opinions on submissions to the magazine, and what we had to say actually mattered. I had taken a course on editing the semester before starting the internship, so I was anxious to use the skills I had learned in class on a real publication and to see if the love of editing I had developed from the course would carry through the length of the summer.

In addition to editing, I also worked with InDesign to format three anthologies. At first I labeled myself as an “intermediate” user, having only done minor projects in the past, but after working with the program for many weeks, I think I can now call myself an expert. I was given the opportunity to learn every function of InDesign, and after all of the hard work I put into the anthologies, I was able to see my name in print. It was awesome that the interns were given thanks in the forewords for the time spent working on anthologies; I don’t know if interns would have received the same recognition at any other internship. Everyone at FJ was patient and kind. Even though they had probably heard the same questions a million times from interns over the years, they answered me each time calmly and thoroughly. I could go up to anyone in the office and ask him or her how to perform a task and receive an answer or guidance. No one ever used me as a personal assistant or gopher, which made me feel like an equal.

As the summer comes to an end and I prepare myself for a semester abroad in England, I am excited to take the knowledge and experience I received from Friends Journal and use it in future endeavors. After reflecting on the internship, my love for editing is stronger than ever, and along with it, I have a newly acquired infatuation with InDesign.

Megan Gilbride

Intern, 2010 Summer

When I began my summer internship with Friends Journal, I was nervous that my inexperience with both publishing and Quakerism would hinder my abilities to perform well at the magazine. However, after only a few short days, I was comfortable here. The staff at Friends Journal was encouraging, helpful, patient and respectful, and I soon felt completely at home.

I knew that I would be somewhat involved in the publication of the magazine, but I was surprised by the extent of my involvement. Interns were encouraged to share their opinions and ideas, and we were included in decisions regarding editing, layout, and the design of the magazine. We also attended weekly staff meetings, reinforcing the idea that our opinions were valued.

Friends Journal offered a relaxed, fun, and gratifying work environment, which allowed me to learn a lot while enjoying my time here. I learned a great deal about how a magazine is published, while refining my writing, reading, and editing skills. I could not have asked for a more rewarding and beneficial internship.

Patty Cangelosi

Intern, 2010 Summer

Who are Quakers and what are they up to? What modern-day issues are most important to them? If you’d asked me these questions three months ago, I would’ve stared like a deer in headlights. But I’ve learned quite a bit. At Friends Journal, I’ve participated in the editorial process, copyedited and commented on article submissions, taken part in layout meetings and staff meetings, and collaborated with staff and other interns on various projects. Each intern must choose a long-term project for the duration of his or her time here. Many of my fellow interns worked on compiling anthologies; I worked on an article for publication in the Journal.

This has been my first real experience in a city. I’d never taken a train by myself before, I’d never been to Chinatown, and I’d certainly never navigated the streets of Philadelphia! I have learned a lot since I began my internship, both in and out of the office, and I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about Quakerism or interested in the editorial process. Like most things in life, you get out of it what you put into it. The possibilities don’t stop until you do.

2009-10

Casey Marie Jackson

Intern, 2009-10

I applied to Friends Journal as a recent college graduate, wearied by the job hunt. I was tired of sending emails and applications, and I was tired of the anxiety of waiting on responses. When I found out I got the internship at Friends Journal, it was like a breath of fresh air. Finally, someone said yes. Finally, I had something to do! To top it off, I got to work in a field I was interested in and studying in grad school.

When I started the internship, I had a general idea that I would actively be contributing to the publication. What I didn't know, however, was the extent. While at Friends Journal, I was exposed to all aspects of the publication process. I felt totally included in this process. There were no looks that read, “What's she doing here?” from the staff. They actually valued my input as an intern; I didn't feel like an outsider.

I also loved how the interns were included in the staff meetings. During these meetings, the staff gathered to discuss how the business was going. Before the very end, everyone on staff brought up what was going on in their lives; topics ranged from weddings to chickens. It was always the best part of my Wednesdays (besides the “intern lunch,” of course.) I often left these meetings feeling happy, grateful to be in a relaxed, fun environment each day.

I think that's what I'll most miss. Friends Journal is a very friendly place to work. Everyone there was kind, generous, and helpful. I couldn't have asked for a better internship with better people! It was a great experience that I will never forget.

Carol Patel

Intern, 2009-10

I was searching for internships in the Philadelphia area one day when I stumbled onto the Friends Journal website. I felt strangely lucky when I came across it because in all my numerous searches for internships I had never before seen the site. It seemed like the perfect place for me to gain the publishing experience that I desired and after interning at FJ, I can honestly say that it was the best experience that I could get. I felt that my opinion really mattered and that I was an important part of FJ as an intern. There was always something to do from helping to edit articles, to reading over and commenting on submissions, and attending the weekly staff meetings.

I was not sure what it would be like working at a Quaker magazine and how they would feel working with someone who is not a Quaker and did not know much about Quakers in general. However, as soon as I started interning at FJ I forgot about ever worrying about something like that because they truly are some of the nicest people I have ever met. It was also a wonderful experience to learn about Quakers in general and I am glad that I had the opportunity to do so.

My long term project at Friends Journal involved compiling an anthology from all the back issues that started off including just Business articles, but ended up also including articles on Economics and Money. I really was not sure how I would feel about the project, but I actually ended up enjoying working on the anthology. It was interesting learning about all the issues that individuals have faced through the years regarding these topics. Also, as I was working on the anthology I learned that the word business can mean different things to Quakers and non-Quakers!

My time as an intern at FJ has truly been a wonderful experience and I have learned so much here that I will take with me into other careers. Thank you to everyone at FJ for giving me this opportunity!

Kat Richter

Intern, 2009-10

Coming to Friends Journal at the age of 24, and without the benefit of an English degree, I was prepared to feel out of place in my editorial internship. I had just completed my MA (in the entirely unrelated field of Dance Anthropology) and moved back to Philadelphia after a year and a half in London; feelings of not belonging, therefore, were nothing new to me.

When asked why I wanted to intern at Friends Journal, I explained that I had recently joined the Religious Society of Friends and, by virtue of being in the right place at the right time, had fallen into the world of freelance journalism. Although I have always been a strong writer, I lacked formal training. When my editors bandied around words like "nut graph" and "final proofs" I had no idea what they were talking about. The obvious solution, as I saw it, was an editorial internship.

I didn't expect to fall in love with copyediting—I just wanted to see what lies behind the scenes in magazine publishing—but after my first month at Friends Journal, that's exactly what happened. I tiptoed through my first assignment, afraid to make too many changes, or worse, to make the wrong changes. I had to refer back to the Friends Journal style sheet every five minutes, and I couldn't remember the difference between an "en" dash and an "em" dash for the life of me. Eventually I reached a paragraph that needed a complete overhaul and although I took a stab at it, I fully expected to be overruled.

Then the April issue came out, complete with the revisions I had suggested. I was shocked but I should not have been. Since my very first day at Friends Journal, I had been made to feel that my opinions mattered. If the senior editor wanted to know what I thought of a new submission, it was because he genuinely cared about what I, and the rest of the interns, had to say.

Four months later, thanks to the support of my fellow interns, the staff, and volunteers at Friends Journal, I've gotten over my "but I'm not an English major" inferiority complex, and I learned the proper time and place for an "em" dash along the way.

2009 Summer

Katie Ailes

Intern, 2009 Summer

My mother suggested I intern at FRIENDS JOURNAL this summer to fill the requirement of "something to look good on a college app." Sighing, I resigned myself to six weeks in an office. However, I looked up one day from my desk at FJ and realized: this isn't drudgery! This is fantastic!

This internship has given me an incredible amount of experience. Reading the bios of other interns before I started, I thought, "I'll never be able to do half those things in six weeks! Layout software? Ack!" But thanks to some great fellow interns who guided me through InDesign, I was able to learn the program and even write a detailed guide for others (‘Guide to Compiling an Anthology').

At FJ, I

• learned how to copyedit (so that's what STET means!)
• compiled an anthology (Quaker Personalities and History)
• read countless articles for anthologies
• learned how to use a scanner and OCR
• spent three days adding commas to 50 pages worth of addresses
• read and gave feedback on whether certain articles and poems should be published
• fell in love with Reading Terminal Market
• contributed ideas at a layout meeting
• selected pull quotes for article layout
• held an actual blueline in my very own hands!
• was inspired to write several pieces of my own (although I have yet to summon the courage to submit them)
• input corrections to copyedited articles
• folded more letters and sealed more envelopes than you can shake several sticks at
• shared at staff meetings
• met wonderful people

All in six weeks!

In addition, although I was raised in by Quakers and taught about George Fox in Sunday School, I had never been sure of my faith. Although I'm still questioning and testing (as I imagine most teenagers are), reading dozens of FJ articles about what the Quaker faith means to others has helped me build a foundation for my own religious experience.

My internship at FRIENDS JOURNAL was truly a fantastic experience for me, and I'd love to come back for more.