An internship can be an exciting yet intimidating experience. It is a young professional’s first foray into the “working” world. When I first spoke with Ryan Longoria, Sports Director at the Midland Community Center, there was no question that I was nervous. I wanted to make everything I said or did perfect. But Ryan immediately made me feel comfortable, and when I got the internship, I was already excited about the experiences I was going to have at the Midland Community Center.
One experience I never thought I would have was golfing with GMCC President/CEO Chris Tointon and MCC Executive Director Kevin Heye; now that’s an occasion that will make you nervous, I didn’t stop shaking until the tenth hole. It was an enjoyable time to be golfing with the two of them, and be the low man on the totem pole and still treated so well.
I grew up loving sports and my passion is basketball. I could not have asked for a better experience than the one I’ve had so far. My very first day at MCC I sat down with Ryan Longoria and we talked about creating a basketball program that offers a wide variety of basketball programming; leagues, clinics, travel basketball, tournaments, etc... Since that moment I have put all my efforts into the Midland Basketball Academy. I began by helping Ryan create ideas and unique programs to put the MBA on the basketball map. I took the responsibility of creating all the flyers and marketing materials for the programs to get the word out to the public.
To launch the MBA, we held a fundraiser to establish the “No Kid Left on the Bench” scholarship fund, so the MBA would not have to turn down any player due to financial circumstances. While programming the fundraiser we thought we should have sponsors for the MBA. I jumped at the opportunity to create a sponsorship program for the MBA. Since the sponsorship program was created, we have been able to raise $9,600 for the MBA from sponsorships alone.
With Ryan running to endless meetings, I am glad that he is able to trust me and give me the responsibilities of major tasks like these. He likes to say to me, “You da man, holmes!” Either way, I’m definitely acquiring skills that will look meaningful and impressive on my resume.
Another part of my internship that I am very proud to be a part of is working with the youth. I love being able to help kids learn and practice basketball, and get better at a sport that they like so much. I really enjoy spending time with the kids, teaching them a sport that I am so passionate about, and hope one day they will be just as enthusiastic about something as I am about basketball.
After being here for four months, I’ve had an incredible experience – one that I will not soon forget. I think I have made my mark on the Midland Basketball Academy. From now until the end of my internship in December I will continue working with sponsors, marketing the MBA programs, and helping Ryan with his computer skills. I hope to be able to use this experience as a stepping stone in my professional career.
This internship has exposed me to so many beneficial materials and experiences. I am forever grateful to the MCC for this opportunity, and would recommend interning here to anyone looking for a way to gain professional experience in a fun, quality, community focused organization.
The Midland Community Center is located at 2205 Jefferson, Midland, MI 48642 and is an operating unit of the Greater Midland Community Centers, Inc. For more information on programs and services, please visit our website at www.mymcc.org or contact us at (989) 832-7937. For more information about the Midland Basketball Academy and available sponsorships please visit www.MIDLANDBASKETBALL.com or call (989) 832-7937 x2260.
