Outlook Closed, Coffee Spilled, But Hey — I’m Rolling
I just wrapped up my third week of a ten-month internship, and time is flying — if only I could slow it down just a bit. Life as a health PR intern is a mix of excitement, learning curves, and decoding office abbreviations. Most of my time so far has been rereading onboarding decks, taking notes, and learning to keep my Microsoft Teams and Outlook tabs open like sacred scrolls.
Unfortunately, I didn’t learn that last part fast enough.
During my first week, I missed a meeting with a Vice President in the D.C. office because my Outlook wasn’t open. Yep, mortifying. Thankfully, he kindly agreed to reschedule. A few days later, we had a great intro call where I shared my story and heard about his journey. I won’t let a closed Outlook tab ruin my day again.
Before my helper started, I was making 5-6 bathroom runs a day — those two morning coffees move fast through a small person like me. During those first weeks, my manager had to open the bathroom door for me every time. Now my helper does it, which is a huge relief. Until the automatic accessible door is installed, I’m lucky to have that support. Let’s just say, I’ve mastered the quickest routes around the office pretty well.
That Friday, I pitched six ideas to my managers on how to get involved with internal projects tied to our assigned health area. I’d scribbled them in my trusty brown leather notebook — once a journal, now my Porter Novelli brain. They were genuinely excited. That conversation left me looking forward to Monday with new purpose.
Outside work, life’s clicking. We tackled two Trader Joe’s runs, got a pot and pan, figured out laundry cards, and found a coffee shop I love. I’m in rhythm with my weekday aide Dani and weekend helper Deonte. HR helped get Deonte a guest QR code so he can hang nearby in case I need assistance. Before that, my manager had to help transfer me onto the toilet — heroic, but not scalable. Glad that’s behind us.
This week I spilled hot coffee on my white linen shirt — turns out the lip of my coffee mug with the cap on is awkward, so I took a weird sip and coffee had other plans. Thankfully, my manager saved the day with some Shout wipes — professional lifesaver.
One security guard was seriously by-the-book at first — made me sign in my helper like ten times and even sent him back to Brooklyn for forgetting his ID. It was like watching a mall cop who just discovered he has the power of a parking attendant and takes it way too seriously. Now, most of the doormen in my building are buddies who greet me enthusiastically. There’s one woman who’s a total hardo — no nonsense, all business. She’s the opposite of the group of doormen I knew at the Jefferson condo — laid back, welcoming, always ready with a joke.
It’s the little things, too. Like making sure my helper remembers I drink coffee from paper cups, not mugs, because mugs are too heavy. Or that when I take off my shirt, he/she has to guide my arms above my head because I can’t hold them there on my own. Those small details make a big difference.
Social life-wise, I’ve become surprisingly close with my aides — they’re support crew and buddies. I tried an improv class to meet people. It was… eclectic: two high school seniors, two people in their 50s, and one other girl my age. Not quite the comedy scene I pictured, but I showed up. I also tried a singles karaoke night in the Lower East Side — fun in theory, but it felt like a Journey tribute night with lots of “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The crowd skewed late 30s to early 40s. Now I’m trying a Jewish speed dating event this Wednesday that’s integrated with an app and looks promising.
Dating apps? I crafted a profile that’s witty and honest — with a dash of my dog’s charm — but I think the algorithm is still figuring out my taste in women. Maybe it just needs more time to catch up. Patience is a virtue, right?
Full disclosure: I splurged on a week of Bumble subscription, hoping to up my swipe game. My first pic? Me in my wheelchair looking ready to roll — literally. So far, it’s felt like trying to moonwalk in roller skates—awkward but hopeful.
I thought I’d explore more, but the 9-to-5 hits hard when juggling care logistics, adjusting routines, and learning the office. I’ve saved money brewing my own coffee and buying seltzers in bulk.
My commute is a hybrid. Since the Canal Street subway elevator is down until mid-July (classic NYC), I take the M1 bus up Madison in the mornings. It’s slower but reliable. On the way back, I take the subway from Grand Central and roll home.
My manager’s given me flexibility to leave early a couple times. I’m grateful most experience is in person—that’s where I grow most.
Biggest adjustment? PC trackpads. I gave in and ordered a mouse like it’s 2004. And my diet… we’re getting there. Phasing out 7th Street Burger and Chipotle for Trader Joe’s salads. Last time I tried eating healthy, I spent $35 on sushi through DoorDash. Lesson learned.
After all this sitting, my back feels like needles poking into my spine, and those spasms need serious work. So I’m thinking of getting back into physical therapy or booking a cheap massage in Chinatown—something to help me loosen up and feel good, muscle pain-free.
During rare downtime, I binged the three-part Netflix documentary American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden 2025. Dani must think I’m nuts — after two weeks, that’s the only TV she’s seen me watch. And of all things, it’s brutal and intense — not exactly calming or funny. She’s probably questioning my sanity.
This weekend, I plan to hit a museum, grab a bite, and read in a park. A few months ago, I was at home scrolling LinkedIn — now I’ve got stories, projects, a sore back, and a growing to-do list.
Progress, one rookie mistake (and hot coffee) at a time.
