This semester with Orchard was a lesson in paying attention.
Not just to numbers or engagement or design choices, but to people. To patterns. To what actually helps.
A lot of my work happened behind a screen. I collected and analyzed data from Orchard’s past partners trying to figure out what partnerships were most effective, where momentum naturally existed, and what trends could help direct future decisions. At first it felt like spreadsheets and organization. But after spending hours sorting through information, I realized data tells stories too. Certain partnerships created consistency while others created visibility. Some people gave once while others stayed connected for years. The numbers mattered because the people mattered.
I also designed two fundraising postcards that included logos from Orchard’s partners. Over 200 postcards were ordered. I remember adjusting spacing, resizing logos, and trying to make something functional still feel personal. Fundraising can easily become transactional, but I learned good communication reminds people they are part of something bigger than themselves.
Another part of my role was increasing activity across multiple platforms by engaging users in questions and discussions. That work taught me that engagement is rarely about being the loudest. Most people do not want to feel marketed to, they want to feel included. Sometimes the most important thing I could do was ask a thoughtful question or create space for someone to respond.
This semester did not suddenly teach me how nonprofits work. It taught me how intentionality works. How small decisions shape people’s trust. How organizations are built through consistency more than big moments. I learned that meaningful work is often repetitive, unseen, and deeply relational all at once.
Looking back, I am grateful that my role allowed me to use both analytical and creative skills. I got to work with data and design, strategy and conversation. More than anything, Orchard reminded me that good work is not just effective, it is attentive.
This reflection is part of Georgia Tech’s Social Impact Fellows program, offered through the Institute for Leadership and Social Impact (ILSI). This program connects students with nonprofit and community organizations in Atlanta for semester-long, hands-on project experiences designed to foster co-learning, social responsibility, and personal growth. To learn more about program details and application information, please visit our program webpage.