How to Safely and Effectively Leave Southwestern
- Talk to the organization leaders and be as honest as you can be with them. It may be difficult at first, especially since once students become interns with the company, we tend to get into the mindset that if we decide to leave early, we're quitters and we don't know how to problem solve. That is not true! Just tell your leaders the WHOLE truth, regardless of what their opinions may be.
- If at all possible, deliver your own books. I know this means staying just a bit longer, but it's better to do it yourself than to live in suspense while you are finally home, wondering whether all of your customers have been delivered to or not. Regardless, decide to deliver your books yourself or have someone else do it for you
- Get your paperwork in order! Send your green cards a week before if you are delivering yourself and call all of your customers beforehand to cut down time on those who do have the money and those who don't. Figure out what were your expenses, how many books you need, whether you plan to 'tag' on items when you deliver or not, figure out who you're going to be getting your books from, etc. The paperwork is so important, because even after you leave Southwestern, you'll still need all those documents to fill out your checkout forms at the end of the summer (this can be done online).
- Find someone with a car to help you deliver. Be aware of the fact that you may have to end up paying this person, so just talk this through with them and explicitly tell them that it is going to be a long day! Delivery time, even when it's done earlier than everyone else, is hectic! So, find a car with plenty of space for your books, and make it your goal to, once again, work from 7am to 9pm.
- Do not tell other interns about your plans. This is probably one of the most difficult parts because you grow attached to the people you work with and you realize that they've gone through the same hardships as you have. It'll be easier to keep this to yourself in the longrun, and you can say your good-bye's at your last Sunday meeting.
- Realize that you have done nothing wrong. My friend told me that there is a huge difference between quitting and knowing when something just simply isn't meant for you. If Southwestern isn't for you, then do not feel bad for leaving. You can't force yourself to do something you weren't meant to do, or force yourself to do something you dislike. Keep in mind that not many people are willing to do something like this, and the very fact that you tried sets you apart from a large population of people. And, finally,
- Fill out that checkout form. All of your paperwork should be at hand when doing this, and if you had someone deliver books for you once you left, get ALL of the information from them. This should determine how much money you get paid, because you do get paid ( Woo Hoo!), even if it is a small amount...
- Well, I hope this helps. I REALLY had a difficult time once I came back home, and it took me a couple of months to get over it. But now, I'm glad it's over, and I'm thankful for the experience. I learned so much about myself, and about people in general. But I cannot do the Southwestern experience thing again...
Received: February 3, 2009
