Lee Hinkle

What is your internship this summer, and what are your basic duties?

I’m an intern at SCRAP Creative Reuse in downtown Portland! SCRAP is a nonprofit about making art affordable and accessible. They accept people’s donated “waste” and organize it into usable, cheap art supplies. I work with the education coordinator to help facilitate and plan community events. The events are based around creating art out of upcycled materials (think bottle caps, yogurt lids, yarn scraps, and anything else that can be used for craftin’). My day-to-day includes preparing for events, and hanging out making crafts with campers.

What’s the best part of your internship?

I find joy and meaning in my life through art! A big part of my job is thinking creatively about potential craft ideas, and then turning those ideas into examples. I get to sit and make art for a large part of my day, and it’s wonderful! My favorite crafts have been weaving with CDs, and making wind chimes out of knitting needles, keys, and bottle caps.

How has the Sustainability Internship course supported you in the process of finding and securing your internship?

I had never heard of SCRAP until I applied to be in the Sustainability Internship course! I got some help brushing up my resume and I was able to find an internship that’s both exciting and fulfilling.

How do you see this internship leading to a career in your chosen field and aiding in your overall career development?

I don’t have a clear goal for my future yet, but I love working with kids and nonprofits. I get to do both of those things with SCRAP, which is fantastic! SCRAP is also helping me build connections within the Portland community, an important step in finding a fulfilling career. The leadership and event planning skills I’m learning will also translate to my future career, whatever it may be.

How does this internship support your interest in sustainability?

I care deeply about keeping the planet livable for future generations. By teaching folks how to reuse their waste and make art with it, it helps reduce the amount of junk that ends up in the environment. Hopefully one day we will move entirely away from the idea of waste; every bit of trash has potential for reuse.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your experience?

Come check us out! We’re just a quick PioExpress ride away. Or follow us on Instagram! It’s seriously such a cool store, with ~very~ affordable art supplies.

Note that my profile picture is me at SCRAP wearing a handmade, upcycled wizard’s cape!

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