Feminism Friday: Reflections on Interning at a Feminist Press, Part II

Opening the Mail at CALYX: A Love Post

Throughout my recent internship at CALYX, I fell in love with opening the mail. Who would have predicted it? I’m perfectly familiar with the process—I rip envelopes open at my house every day. And my internship at CALYX included plenty of tasks that were much more intellectually stimulating.  But there was something extremely satisfying about opening the mail at CALYX. If this sounds suspicious, please let me explain.

First, there was the morning walk to the post office—I loved the chance to walk one sunshine-y block at the start of my day, travel mug of coffee in my hand, tote bag with the mail keys over my shoulder. The men in the barbershop were always smiling, and the Grass Roots Bookstore workers frequently gave me a wave. It’s always nice to spend time in downtown Corvallis.

Back at the office, I’d settle into my work. I would unfold the little letter-opener with a snap, like a jack-knife, into my palm. I would spin the pieces of the “RECEIVED” stamp into place for the day’s date. I would open the big purple pad of ink like a treasure chest. Then, I got to work—pressing those satisfying purple stamps onto every envelope, every cover letter, every happy check from every happy CALYX reader.

Okay, okay, okay. So, even though I’m being serious when I say that I loved these things, here’s the real truth: what I loved most about opening the mail at CALYX was the letters themselves. As the opener of letters, I became the bearer of good news: I opened letters from foundations saying we’d received grants, from supporters sending donations, and from readers sending subscriptions. There were books to review, journals to peruse, and poems upon poems upon glorious poems. All of those words (all of that creativity and passion and love!) passing through my fingers, under my stamp, and into the hands of the incredible women of CALYX.

Opening mail will never be the same.

-Liz Wyckoff

Greetings From The Newest Intern!

Hi!

My name is Lily Ringler, and I’m the newest intern at CALYX.  I’m so excited to be working at CALYX, helping such a great cause!

I’m from upstate New York, and go to school at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.  I am an English major with a concentration in creative writing.  I’ve always been particularly interested in the publishing industry and in non-profit organizations.  I’ve also always wanted to try living on the west coast, and Corvallis seems like a great town.

I only got to town late on Friday night.  I drove across the country with a friend, and had a fantastic time—I saw so many things I thought I’d never get to see in my lifetime.  I’ve spent a lot of the past few days sleeping and recovering from the wonderful and completely tiring trip.  Everyone at CALYX has been extremely helpful in introducing me to Corvallis.  I am so happy to be here, and so happy to be able to help CALYX’s cause.

It might seem strange that I came all the way to Oregon for an internship, but I think that only goes to show how much I respect CALYX’s mission.  I’ve only been at CALYX’s office for a few hours, but I can already see all the work that goes into making this non-profit function.  I am so excited to start working here, and honored to be a part of the organization.

Welcome Stephanie, New CALYX Intern

Hello!

My name is Stephanie Brooks and I am a senior at Gonzaga University up in Spokane Washington. I’m double majoring in English and journalism with a minor in history and I’m hopefully (cross your fingers) graduating in the spring of next year. At school I have concentrated on the journalism side of my education– I am an editor for the school newspaper and write for the Gonzaga alumni magazine. However, I have always had an interest in publishing. Although I don’t have any experience in feminist press I am excited for the upcoming months at Calyx! I hope to learn all about the publishing world and become a better writer and editor as well.