On Jan. 6, I made my way past Arrowhead Stadium not knowing what to expect for the semester. Within the first hour as a photography intern with the Kansas City Chiefs, I was overwhelmed by how lucky I was to be a part of such an amazing organization.

Everyone who knows me understands my love of the Denver Broncos, but with the end of the semester quickly approaching, I am realizing I know more about the Kansas City Chiefs than I do my favorite team. From the position, number and name of every player on the roster to the names of the people behind the scenes, it will be hard to cheer against the Chiefs next season.

As a senior, I thought I understood exactly what I was getting myself into. With balancing classes, working as print editor, leading organizations and adding an internship to the mix — I was wrong. It was difficult, with long hours and numerous weekends spent working events, but I can say it was worth it.

In five months, I learned more than I could in any classroom. I wasn’t an intern fetching coffee; I was covering events, posting galleries, working on retouching and color correction and organizing more than 50 years worth of photos.

I have had the opportunity to work with technology that has never been available to me, and I’ve learned the real world application of it all. Did I get to meet Andy Reid? Technically no, but I took his picture.

There are very few interns I work with from the area. Most are from bigger schools from all around the United States, but coming from Baker University makes me proud of my school and the opportunities it has brought me.

There was a part of me that thought I would never have a chance to live my dream of working in professional football, but if anything the size of our campus has benefitted me.

Although I am graduating on May 18, I am still searching for my next job. I am optimistic about the search, though, based on the opportunities Baker provided me and through my internship experience. Through everything, I have learned that even coming from a small school like Baker, you don’t have to limit yourself.