"We've had many great interns. Danielle's heartfelt words to everyone on the staff meant the world to us. We wanted to sharewhat internships mean to our interns and to my office. It's mutually beneficial." - Mayor Domenic J. Sarno
Dear Mayor Sarno and Staff,
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This office has opened my eyes and brought me new opportunities that I could have never even thought of until now. The past 9 months that I have been here, I have learned a lot. I learned how to interact with people screaming and yelling to people talking to me with tears in their eyes.
I think the thing I have learned the most in the office though, is confidence. I have become my own person, who has her own opinions and isn’t easily swayed. I can make my own decisions and choices, and have a voice for myself. I owe this to everyone in the office, encouraging me to share my opinions and grow as a person. I used to think that I was too young to speak up, that I wouldn’t be taken seriously. Now I realize I am a 16-year-old who is strong-willed, willing to say what’s on my mind. I have become independent in many ways, all thanks to this internship.
Everyone in this office has taught me something.
Darryl taught me how to use my voice (and wit) no matter what the situation. Every debate we’ve had, he never allowed me to back down. Our debates tremendously improved my argumentative essays, which is always appreciated. He has shown me that I have a voice and my opinion matters.
Billy taught me how to use facts. He is one of the smartest people I have ever met, knowing random facts like the back of his hand. He also participated in the debates, throwing in his absurd amount of knowledge that always left me stumped. He can calm any constituent down, no matter the situation, always surprising me.
Carolyn taught me to be kind to everyone. No matter who walks into the office, she will always have a smile on her face. She has such a positive energy that I have always been drawn to since the beginning. Her laughter is contagious but at the end of the day, she takes care of business. No one walked over her and that was known.
Minnie taught me patience. No matter who walked in, she was willing to help as best as possible. She always took care of me, she could tell when I had a rough day and was always willing to talk with me about anything. She took me under her wing and I will always appreciate her for that.
Marian taught me how to be on the go all the time. She is always running around and doing events with the mayor, but once she is back in the office, she’s always working on another task. She’s always dealing with the press for the mayor and she has a way with words. She was always willing to help me with something and I always will appreciate her for that.
Tom taught me how hard work pays off. I remember campaigning for him in the 3rd grade, now entering my junior year of high school, he is the chief of staff for the mayor. He is the one who helped me get this internship and I am beyond grateful for him.
Finally, Mayor Sarno is the one who I credit with helping me make up my mind. I want to pursue a career in politics, thanks to him. He is amazing with people and showed me politics isn’t always this blood bath amongst other politicians. I was shocked when I found out that some politicians care for constituents. Mayor Sarno’s policy is to offer coffee or water to anyone who walks into this office, always making them feel at home.
I will walk away from this internship as a matured teenager, as much as that’s possible. I will miss everyone in this office dearly but will come to visit as much as possible. I will miss the constituents, the contract delivering, or even grabbing a bagel at Cam’s. This was an experience I will never forget. Thank you for becoming a second family.
Thank you always,
Danielle Dorn
