MAIP Blog #2
About a quarter into my internship, Archer flew me out to Memphis, TN. I had never been there before, but luckily, one of my best friends lives there, studying Optometry. Over four days, I explored as much of Memphis as I could, indulging in its great food spots, visiting the Memphis Zoo, crossing the Memphis-Arkansas bridge, and experiencing the iconic Bass Pro Shop Pyramid, which was definitely one of the trip's highlights. After a 9-hour delayed flight from Charlotte to Memphis, I finally arrived at 6 PM and went out that night to dine with my co-workers at one of the best spots in Memphis: Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. We enjoyed delicious wings, mac & cheese, and coleslaw. The following day, I met up with my fellow intern and supervisor, and together, we headed to the vibrant Archer office. Although the building looked old from the outside, the atmosphere inside was energetic. Meeting my co-workers in person was a delight, and we engaged in various conversations during my stay in Memphis. They are truly remarkable and personable individuals.
After work, I spent time with my best friend, exploring Charlotte's downtown area, home to lively pubs, and learning about the city's history. Did you know Elvis Presley's house is located in Memphis? It's fascinating! Memphis, despite being a small city, is rich in history and vibrant nightlife. People from the suburbs flock downtown to have a great time, and I certainly did too.
Thursday arrived, and time seemed to fly by. It was another fantastic day at work, where we had the privilege of learning about drag and the ongoing political actions involving the LGBTQ+ community. The panel discussion was an honor, providing valuable insights into what is happening in Tennessee. Later that day, we enjoyed happy hour and a drag queen from the earlier panel put on an incredible show alongside another drag queen and drag king. During the performance, I gathered the courage to dance while giving singles to a drag queen, and the spotlight was on me. Everyone cheered and clapped, and afterward, one of the drag queens invited me up on stage for a lip-sync battle! I dressed up and had a memorable lip-sync battle with one of my co-workers. It was a truly remarkable day, filled with connections, especially during dinner.
Friday marked my last day, and it went by too quickly. I bid farewell to my co-workers and spent the day exploring different places with my best friend before he dropped me off at the airport at 1 PM. Unfortunately, I encountered another 10-hour delay until I finally arrived back home in my city at 11 PM. It has been a couple of weeks since this unforgettable experience in Memphis, TN. I will cherish the memories I made there forever. I am still currently interning with Archer, and I want to express my gratitude to them for providing me with such an incredible experience thus far. Let's finish strong!
