From Northern Minnesota to Northern Italy and Back

This is a guest post by Molly Ongaro — a Minnesota girl at heart, born and raised. Travels in the Midwest allowed her to become a Registered Dietitian in North Dakota and take her first job out of college as a WIC Dietitian in southwest Wisconsin. Molly’s sense of adventure brought her to her current residence in Northern Italy, where she is obtaining her Master in Food Culture and Communications. What’s next for this Minnesota girl? In her own words: “The best is yet to come!”

I must admit that the freedom given within my understanding of what my internship undertaking for my Master could include was much more than I had both experienced previously and anticipated. I am currently finishing my studies in Food Culture and Communications in a small town named Pollenzo in Northern Italy. Because my interests are so varied and I could truly see myself in many different positions, I must regrettably admit that for the internship portion of my Master I just wanted someone to tell me what to do, where to go, and I would do it. However, it was not until I was walking from class one day with a good friend of mine, giving advice on the internship search that an epiphany occurred. I realized the purposeful and strategic process given us to find our own way. It may or may not have been set up that way, but I truly feel that for me it has advanced into useful exposure to the outside world as well as unforeseen personal insight.

Choosing an internship can be a daunting task, especially in the world today where money is tight and services are costly. However, I am confident that the time put into the internship search is well worth the effort. Landing on an opportunity that fits specific skill sets as well as personal and professional needs will undoubtedly be of benefit in the long run – the time and toil is, in a sense, a prerequisite for success.

Knowing the upcoming advantages in my future, I decided to explore both paid and unpaid opportunities. I turned my search into a structured and organized task, as if it was part of my job. I took time every day to research, take notes, and learn as much as I could in all areas I was applying into, thus benefitting myself personally. I saw my search as a necessity in my knowledge and understanding, thereby advantageous in my professional gain as well.

What one puts into the search is also a reflection of character and can even lead to newfound personality traits. I know a hands-on, participatory, and diversified job fits me best. It is essential for me to have inspiration, useful application, and appropriate connection. From the beginning all I knew is what was necessary and in the end I found what is appropriate.

I know that Minnesota is where my heart is, yet I was initially turned off by the idea of returning back to the known and the comfortable after studying abroad in Italy. As far as I thought, the doors to the outside world were wide open. I could choose any given location and setting, and I could not wait for my still undetermined adventure. As I delved deeper into my search, I realized both the season and the locations were not ideal for what I wanted to accomplish. When asked, I said: “I want to form relationships and I want hands-on work.” I thought at first I would work on a farm, improving my

I approached each person and/or company as if I were an answered prayer. I opened up as to who I am and what I can offer, but really tried to focus on each person and their needs. I approached each individual with confidence in myself and in what I could offer. In the end, I basically did not allow them to turn me down. I researched each place of work to the point where I could highlight the gaps I could fill, while still complimenting their already accomplished work. I creatively fit myself into each company and proposed an offer to each. Their response: they were truly grateful and very open to my ideas, for I had already done half of the work.agriculture knowledge and skills. I then thought of working in an urban area to introduce gardening, but the season and the logistics of staying in an unknown place were the deviants. I even went so far as looking at wineries and companies in California. Once I finally decided to dip my toes in the Minnesota waters, it was almost as if it were meant to be. I was completely taken aback by the feedback of my proposals. I knew that it was the right choice and the right place for me.
I decided to gain experience with a few small, local companies in Minnesota. I want to support passionate, hard-working, thus inspirational people. Supporting dedicated people and hard work is a delight for me, and I am confident the collaborations will provide mutual benefit for myself and those I am involved with.

It took time, diligence, and personal assessment, but I found insight into where I fit – so far anyway. I have learned to take it one day at a time with these decisions and know that it will always progress into what it is supposed to, no matter what structure or great plan I begin with.