My journey as Economic Development Intern with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance began long before I stepped into the office. As an international student who came to Lynchburg for my studies at Liberty University in 2022, I spent my early years adjusting to a new culture that felt very different from my home in Benin. Over time, I became increasingly curious about the American work ethic and how it shows up outside the academic setting.

That curiosity led to a conversation with my professor, Dr. Brian Satterlee, who encouraged me to explore an internship with the Alliance. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew I was interested in economic development because of my academic background, but I didn’t fully understand what that work looked like in practice. I also noticed that the organization was women-led, which immediately drew my attention and made me even more interested in learning from the people there.

Once I joined the internship, that curiosity quickly turned into appreciation. I had the opportunity to build relationships across the entire organization and see firsthand the level of care and intentionality that goes into developing the region. Every conversation, every project, and every interaction reflected a deep commitment to the Lynchburg MSA and its long-term growth.

What stood out to me most was the mindset of the people I worked with. The staff, volunteers, and ambassadors all shared a strong sense of purpose rooted in serving the community. There was a level of selflessness that shaped the way decisions were made and how work was approached. It became clear to me that without that kind of mindset, progress at the community level would be stunted.

Working with the Alliance showed me what that kind of commitment looks like in practice. It also reinforced the importance of staying curious, staying driven, and staying grounded in a purpose that goes beyond individual success. I saw how those values translate into real impact when they are shared across an entire organization and extended into a community.

By the end of my experience, I walked away with a deeper understanding of both economic development and the people behind it. More importantly, I left with a stronger appreciation for what it means to contribute to something larger than yourself and to be part of a community that is actively building its future together.