Javonte Neal shared his 2024 summer internship experience in Columbus, OH, while staying at The Ohio State University
Interning in a big city was a unique and transformative experience for me. Having attended high school in Las Vegas at Western High School, I was somewhat familiar with the pace of city life, but living and navigating Columbus, Ohio, on my own was entirely different. Exploring a new city independently taught me focus and patience, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Intern Housing Hub made my transition easy. The process was quick, taking only about two weeks, a MAJOR relief for a student like me who didn’t know what to expect. It also introduced me to new ways of connecting with resources I hadn’t encountered before. Staying at Lawrence Towers was a positive experience; the building was quiet, secure, and thoughtfully designed. The key card system for entering the building, elevator, and my room made me feel safe, showing how much Intern Housing Hub prioritizes security in the housing options they support.
My internship with Columbus City Council was humbling and rewarding. It challenged me to trust my knowledge and skills to achieve meaningful results. One of my assignments was to create a mock policy pitch on public safety, and I chose to focus on the Olentangy Trail, located behind my housing. My proposal highlighted the lack of lighting along the trail, and I recommended installing pathway lights to enhance safety, which would boost business revenue for nearby stores. This project was particularly rewarding as it tied together my experiences living in the city, my work at City Council, and the support I received by securing housing through Intern Housing Hub.
Overall, my journey felt like a ripple effect—each step aligned with the next, creating an experience that was both impactful and memorable. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities and lessons that this internship provided.
To see the full gallery of pictures from Javonte's internship experience in Columbus, head over to our [Instagram Post].