“You can, end of story.”
That was the message from Natalie Hodge, of Rudy’s Girl Media, to student interns from Martinsville City Schools.
Hodge made the comments during a July 25 lunch and program to honor student interns at the New College Institute (NCI). The program included a signing ceremony with Eastman Performance Films. Hodge, who also hosted interns and was among the keynote speakers at the ceremony, said she keeps an inspirational sign on her door to remind her and others of this phrase.
Discussing her life, Hodge included not only the high points like returning to Martinsville, but also shared the low parts, like couch surfing in New York City and family loss.
She faced having to find employment, being rejected from prospective jobs, and even having to start over again, Hodge said she also had to move around a lot. “My aunt once said she would never write my address in pen because I was moving around to all these different places.”
Love brought her back to Martinsville, where she eventually settled down with her now husband and founded her local company.
“I moved back here and founded Rudy’s Girls Media with the intention of showcasing how we can do it here,” she said, and added that it wasn’t easy.
“Life wasn’t always great for me, but I definitely am proud of my journey. I’m excited by the things I was able to accomplish and still accomplishing, but it wasn’t smooth sailing by any means.” Hodges said.
Even earning a master’s degree “doesn’t mean you can’t have lows in your life, but what settled into my spirit was: You can, end of story,” Hodge said, and encouraged interns not to be deterred by the harder parts of life.
“People told me to my face it was crazy,” but she ultimately made it, she said. “These are all the possibilities that await you, and so much more.”
Tonya Foreman, the education initiatives manager from Eastman, shared a recipe for success.
“First and foremost, show up,” Foreman said, noting that “you’re not showing up if you’re not ready. If you’re in school, then your job is to do the best you can when you’re in school.”
Foreman said it’s important to “understand your assignment.” She stressed that it’s not just about completing a task but understanding the task.
“Next, I will tell you to embrace and have courageous curiosity,” she said, encouraging students to seek out knowledge.
“I think curiosity fuels intellectual growth and it also fosters such a lifelong learning,” Foreman said and urged interns to add their own flavor to things when working.
“Be authentically who you are,” she said, directing students to keep practicing and “really work on your craft.” She also expressed the importance of safety.
Companies and the students that interned from Martinsville High School are Brand Builders, which interned Amondre Moseley; MCPS Performing Arts Academy, with intern Caesar Draper; Kaira Womack, Kamori Dillard, and Jyshir Plunkett. Mary Smith interned at the Collinsville Branch of the Blue Ridge Regional Library, while Mason Rorrer, Sayvion Milton, and Cayden Walker interned at the 3D Print Shop.
The Virginia Museum of Natural History’s intern was Kassidy Dodson; Henry County Parks and Recreation/ Smith River Sports Complex helped Caleb Joyce, and Kymani Brim and Jessica Rumley interned at two sites of the Boys and Girls Club.
Unique Styles and Designs Floral Boutique worked with Keara Carter, The Wellness Haven worked with Nikko Dews, Never Enuff Wood interned Jayden Williams, Acme Therapists worked with Kaylee Rea, and Rudy Girl’s Media trained Cameron Giles.
Along with these students, Alexandria “Allie” Balcerzak interned with Rudy Girl’s Media for a 6-week GCE program, and Jada Penn interned with Burton & Company for her 6-week program.
The City of Martinsville officially recognized July 25 as National Intern Day. Eastman also signed agreements with students from both Henry County and Martinsville to begin paid internships at the beginning of the school year.
