New Year…New Challenges

Over the span of just four short months, life as we knew it was flipped upside-down. 

• December 31, 2019 –Chinese health officials inform the World Health Organization (WHO) about a cluster of 41 patients with a mysterious pneumonia.
• January 20, 2020 – The first U.S. case is reported: a 35-year-old man in Snohomish County, Washington. 
• January 30, 2020 –The WHO declares a global public-health emergency.  
• February 6, 2020 – A person in California dies from the coronavirus, the first known American death. 
• February 11, 2020 – The WHO announces that the disease caused by the novel coronavirus will be called “COVID-19.”
• March 11, 2020 – The WHO declares the outbreak a pandemic. 
• March 13, 2020 – President Donald Trump declares a national emergency in the United States. 
• April 7, 2020 – Roughly 95% of all Americans are under lockdown as 42 states issue stay-at-home orders.

Daily routines were broken, thousands were left without jobs, school systems resorted to online learning, and many were left with the same thought racing through their head: “What do we do now?” 

I cannot even begin to count the number of times I asked myself this question.  I went from being able to go to my college classes every morning, to being forced to figure out how I am supposed to attend classes remotely in a household that was unable to support the large increase in wireless connection needed.  My collegiate athletic career had essentially come to an abrupt end in what was looking to be my best season yet.  And worst of all, I was left with constant questions from those around me about whether or not I was going to be able to complete my internship…this internship.  Thankfully through all the efforts and open lines of communication from those in the Human Resources Department at Schneider Downs, all my worries had subsided. 

Management at Schneider Downs not only set their focus on making sure their full-time employees were prepared to work from home, but they also paid close attention to making sure that each and every intern was adequately prepared to work remotely as well.  From mailing necessary resources to each intern, to setting up a meeting before the scheduled start date just to check accounts and making sure everything worked properly, Schneider Downs took each and every step necessary to ensure that the interns felt like part of the family atmosphere the company embodies. 

Even though this year’s summer internship with Schneider Downs has been a full 180 from my one with the company last year, the takeaway was just as memorable and meaningful.  I was able to get another look at public account with an exceptional company.  The relationships I made last year were not only deepened, but also accompanied by new ones.  I am extremely appreciative of the time I have been able to spend as a Schneider Downs tax intern, and I look forward to seeing where these opportunities will lead my future career as a public accountant.