One Gannett project that truly inspired me was a mid-year goal reflection session I had the chance to facilitate. What made it so impactful wasn’t just the chance to pause and assess progress, but created a space that created for honest, human conversation. We talked about growth, setbacks, and where we wanted to head next, not just as salespeople, but as people. I’ve always been driven by understanding what motivates others, so being able to help the team connect on that deeper level was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me that some of the most powerful work happens when we lean into vulnerability and collaboration. The insights and sense of connection it sparked are still with me and that kind of intentional, people-first work is what inspires me most at Gannett.

I don’t think there was just one moment. I’ve known I made the right decision to intern at Gannett because of the mentorship that I have received since day one. I tend to set pretty high expectations for myself, and my mentors here (especially my supervisor) have helped me realize that it’s okay not to have all the answers. No one does, and that’s the point of having a strong, supportive team. That perspective has helped me loosen the grip on my perfectionism and give myself room to grow, ask questions, and learn out loud. I’ve never once felt like “just the intern.” I’ve felt nothing but encouraged and genuinely valued, which has ultimately made me realize just how thankful I am for the opportunity to be with this company and that it was one of the best choices I have made for myself.

I’m a people-first thinker at heart, which means I lead with empathy and genuine care for others—whether I’m working on a project, offering advice, or collaborating with a team. I try to tune into what people need, bring fresh perspective when it’s helpful, and make sure everyone feels seen, valued, and included in the process. Whether it’s in the workplace or day-to-day life, I aim to be someone others can count on, both for ideas and for support.

If I had to choose one word to describe Gannett’s culture, it would be nurturing. It’s a place where growth is part of the everyday, whether that’s through intentional mentorship, encouraging feedback, or simply the way people show up for one another. There’s a genuine investment in helping people learn and feel supported through it all. It’s the kind of environment that helps you grow not just professionally but personally too.

This internship has challenged me to think beyond task lists and lean into the “why” behind everything I do. Whether it’s asking better questions, understanding how an ad campaign fits into a larger strategy, or learning from different perspectives on my team, I’ve grown more comfortable thinking big picture. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t always look like having the right answer. Sometimes, it looks like sitting in the gray area, being curious, and trusting that clarity will come from asking the right questions.