F&M Stories
Junior Finds Culture & Community Through Lancaster Internship
Teagan Durkin ’26
Joint Studies Major: English (creative writing) and anthropology
Minor: French
Hometown: Oreland, Pa.
Activities on Campus: Weis College House Adviser, First-Year Advising Mentor (FAM), John Marshall Pre-Law Society, The College Reporter Opinions Editor, Philadelphia Alumni Writers House Commune Member, Alice Drum Women's Center Board Member
Summer Experience: Lancaster Pride Festival Intern via Ware Institute for Civic Engagement's Public Service Summer Institute
Describe your summer experience. What is a typical day like?
My summer experience was through the Ware Institute of Civic Engagement's Public Service Summer Institute, and I worked as the Lancaster Pride Festival intern. My typical day consisted of working at The Candy Factory, a coworking space in downtown Lancaster where Lancaster Pride has its offices. I was responsible for researching and creating a presentation around how Lancaster Pride can become better connected with and support LGBTQIA+ folks within the realms of legal systems, education, safe spaces, community engagement, and health and wellness. Additionally, I was heavily involved in the nonprofit's various events: the annual Lancaster Pride Festival, various vigils, and fundraisers like pool parties and a trip to New York City for a Broadway show.
What inspired you to take on this particular experience?
When I transferred to F&M, I was motivated to expand my professional portfolio and become further immersed in LGBTQIA+ culture and community. This internship afforded me opportunities to achieve both goals.
What skills have you been able to learn or practice through this experience?
I have greatly improved my public outreach and research skills, as well as learning what it takes to manage an event with more than 8,000 attendees. Regarding the first two skills, my research presentation involved connecting with local and national organizations that could support LGBTQIA+ folks in several aspects. As the Lancaster Pride festival had record-breaking attendance for the organization, I was able to witness all the details that go into planning such an event.
What have you found most interesting or surprising about this experience?
Overall, I found the overwhelming sense of community and support to be the most pleasantly surprising part of my experience. All of my supervisors took the time to make sure I had engaging projects, and that I felt capable of accomplishing them.
What have you enjoyed most about staying in Lancaster this summer?
After living in Lancaster throughout the summer, I most enjoyed how it combined feelings of being in a city with numerous cafes, concerts, and events to attend, but also felt walkable and accessible, like a town. Additionally, I also loved how I found different spaces to work virtually. Endo's Cafe was definitely a favorite for coworking!
Why did you choose F&M?
I decided to transfer to F&M because I felt that I could discover a community for all students. Similarly, I wanted to be confident that every student, not regardless of but because of their unique background and perspective, could discover professional and personal opportunities for growth.
What advice do you have for students considering transferring to F&M?
If someone is considering transferring to F&M, I recommend reaching out and connecting to current students, as well as visiting to see if Lancaster fits where they want to see themselves grow.
The College’s proximity to downtown Lancaster fosters meaningful partnerships between
city agencies and F&M. Discover how we offer our students a variety of opportunities
to live and learn in this vibrant city.“When I transferred to F&M, I was motivated to expand my professional portfolio and
become further immersed in LGBTQIA+ culture and community.”
Living & Learning in Lancaster
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