Major: Nell Pearson: Undeclared; Gordon Platt: Environmental studies

Project: Internship with the Bicycle Coalition, a statewide advocacy group for biking and walking in Maine

Funding: Purposeful Work initiative (Pearson); Bicycle Coaltion (Platt)

Focus: Supporting the organization and administration of two major coalition events, the Maine Women’s Ride and the Maine Lobster Ride, and contributing to an interactive map displaying bike routes throughout the state.

Location: Portland, Maine

Nell says: A general interest in urban planning and sustainability prompted me to intern with BCM. Having grown up in New York City, I recognize the importance of alternative and renewable modes of transportation.

Talking with other employees about their professional and personal experiences was extremely interesting and allowed me to learn about the progression of their careers. Although I’m still unsure as to what type of career I would like to pursue, I’ve learned that there’s value in having a job that is personally meaningful, rewarding, and worthwhile.

Gordon says: In addition to events, I helped with the education work that the BCM is doing. In response to the increase in bicyclist and pedestrian deaths in Maine, we’re working with the Maine Department of Transportation and other groups on an initiative titled “Heads Up: Safety Is a Two-Way Street.”

Before this job, I had only ever worked as a construction laborer and sailing instructor, two hands-on jobs where you have quick results. Although much of my work at the coalition was comparatively bureaucratic, I was surprised at how motivated I was by the tasks I was doing for the greater mission of the coalition, and how I could actually see the impacts of the BCM’s advocacy work on a day-to-day scale in the city.

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