When we first arrived on Saturday, I won’t lie, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I got here around 8 AM and was welcomed by Lauren Gillaspy and Nicole Lioumis. The two of them informed me of every single issue with our apartment; needless to say some laughs were shared about the state of our individual rooms (poop stain on Laurens floor). After we completed the assessment of our room, John Rodgers and I headed to the gym and registered for our Leap Cards. Later that day, I formed great relationships during dinner with my roommates, explored Tesco in the Dundrum Mall, and we found ourselves in City Center later in the evening to explore. The following day we attended orientation and happily continued learning more about one another. The next morning I approached the Human Collective storefront to begin my internship. Though it was nothing like what I expected, I appreciate the insights it gave me about startup companies. I understand some are more well equipped than others to accept interns and other unpaid positions, however, I am happy to have a new perspective. I spent the entirety of the day by myself folding clothes, packaging clothing orders, and did not once open my laptop or receive any form of an orientation. I was repeatedly referred to as “the new girl” instead of my name. When I tried to ask questions to understand more about my role I was laughed at and my questions were not answered. I got a similar response when I tried to start any form of conversation with my colleagues. Multiple inappropriate comments were made about my body/physique. I was left alone with no chair to fold and package up clothing for seven of the eight hours I worked today. My supervisor left an hour before I did and I had to close the store with one other young woman on their C-Suite team. Before I left yesterday afternoon, I was also told not to come to work on 6/5 (today) until 10:30 AM because there is a 9 AM staff meeting. I was told this meeting is being held solely to discuss logistics and upcoming marketing campaigns/partnerships and therefore I was “not needed”. I was unaware I would be working as a retail associate in a shopping center. While I understand assignments can vary week to week, there is no indication I will be involved in the business side of things. At this point in time (Wednesday 6/5) I am happy to announce that I am no longer a member of the Human Collective team.
First day at the worst internship of my life
FDOC with the girlies!
My lovely folding job in the store
First FreeNow taxi ride
Sam, I am so sorry that everything started off so rough!! I am really glad that things are looking up though! I can’t wait to see what you do in your new position, and I hope that all of the incredible experiences you have ahead of you here in Ireland can allow you to look back on this time with nostalgia in the future.