My Internship Journey So Far
By Frashia Njenga
When I boarded a flight from Illinois to Seattle, I knew I was chasing something more than just an internship. I was looking for purpose, growth, and connection, and through my work with The Christian Science Monitor, I’ve found all three.
Now, a few weeks into this journey as an Outreach Ambassador, I can confidently say it’s been one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
Wins That Matter
We’ve handed out hundreds of Monitor issues, from the bustling streets of downtown Seattle to the peaceful corners of Wallingford and even across the waters to Whidbey Island.
Each copy wasn’t just a handout; it was a seed of thought, a spark of curiosity. Some of the standout moments include:
Securing subscriptions at places like Pho Bac and Sweet Mona’s Café.
Connecting with readers who already love the Monitor and watching their faces light up when they see it again.
Tabling at the U District Farmers Market, where community energy is at its peak and meaningful conversations flow freely.
Helping a new teammate, Dewitt, find his rhythm in the field, realizing I’ve grown enough to guide someone else.
These moments have reminded me that even quiet wins, like a smile, a nod, or a thoughtful question, mean we’re making an impact.
Unexpected Lessons
I’ve learned more than I ever expected. Distribution isn’t just about numbers, it’s about connection. One-on-one conversations at UW, chats with bookstore owners, and warm exchanges in farmers markets have all taught me how to read a space, feel its rhythm, and approach people with sincerity. It’s also taught me resilience. Not every door opens, not everyone wants a magazine, and some days the "no’s" come back-to-back. But even those moments are part of the story. Every “no” sharpens your empathy. Every slow day teaches patience.
Places That Left a Mark
Each neighborhood had its own flavor:
Fremont’s murals and canals made for a solo day full of peace and positivity.
Downtown’s Pike Place Market buzzed with color and crowds—chaotic but alive. Whidbey Island offered a quiet kind of magic: ferry rides, warm shops, and chocolate-laced victories.
Green Lake and Wallingford blended beauty and success, showing how location can uplift morale.
And then there’s Bothell, a quieter, more introspective experience. While the outreach there was tougher, it opened my eyes to the power of behind-the-scenes work: literature shared with prisons, plans for new Reading Rooms, and conversations over pizza that reminded me of the bigger picture.
What I’ve Loved
The people: community members with open minds.
The freedom and trust to work independently, to explore Seattle, and to develop a personal rhythm.
The Challenges
Some days feel long. Some moments feel fruitless. There’s emotional labor in facing rejection and staying upbeat.
The weather, while often beautiful, can also shift unexpectedly, nothing like rain to humble your plans.
And of course, the internal pressure to make every moment “count” can be heavy. I’ve had to learn to trust the process.
Looking Ahead
This internship isn’t just building my resume, it’s building my character. I’m learning what it means to share information with heart, to represent a cause with integrity, and to stand tall. From orientation to ferry rides, busy markets to quiet churches, the journey has been full of movement, meaning, and momentum. And if there’s one thing I’ve come to believe deeply is that The most powerful outreach doesn’t always happen in crowds. Sometimes it’s in the stillness, when someone picks up a magazine, flips through a few pages, and maybe,sees the world a little differently.
And that, to me, is worth every step.
