Science Leadership Academy

My ILP is with The Gift of Life donor program. So far, I love it. It offers a nice contrast from the classroom environment. In the past few weeks, I’ve toured the building, met most of the employees (even the CEO!), and worked on many small projects. These include creating educational packets and making centerpieces for donor recognition dinners.

I initially picked this site because I wanted to participate in something meaningful. Although it is not the most talked about, organ donation is a great way to save lives. I didn’t know that much about it, besides the fact that my mom was a registered organ donor, before I started. During my first three visits, Faith (my mentor) has taught me almost all I need to know.

As the weeks pass, I think my ILP will grow even more interesting and worthwhile. Faith and I will be making a video about Heartman, Gift of Life’s mascot, which will be posted on the Internet. There is another intern scheduled to start in the coming months, and once he or she is here, we will have the opportunity to tour the Eye Bank and the operating rooms. We will be able get a more in depth view of what the doctors and scientist do in other parts of the organization.

The best part about my ILP, by far, is the sense of community. I started just a few months ago, and I already feel like I belong. During one of my last visits I sat in on a department meeting. We discussed ways to celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Gift of Life. I was actually put into one of the brainstorming groups and got a chance to participate. I wasn’t shrugged off like I’ve heard so many of my friends were at their ILPs. I’m treated like an adult, and that’s fantastic. Last week, I got my official Gift of life photo ID. If that doesn’t say, “I belong,” I don’t know what does.