The purpose of these In-Depth Intern Spotlights is to take a moment and explore what it means to be an authentic individual within students’ roles as interns in the Greensboro community. We hope you enjoy and take a chance to get to know one of our 2021 Campus Greensboro Fellows. Mikhaila Eller is a UNCG senior majoring in Arts Administration who has spent her 2021 Campus Greensboro Fellowship being the Community Outreach Intern at ArtsGreensboro.
Learn more about Mikhaila’s story and who she is beyond the Campus Greensboro Fellows Program and intern below.
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Who are your mentors in life?
I find that my mentors are from so many walks of life. One of my mentors is my Arts Administration Professor, Hannah Grannemann, who is also my academic advisor from UNCG. Campus Greensboro also helped me create tangible connections between my supervisor at ArtsGreensboro, Catena Bergevin, and my assigned Campus Greensboro mentor, Amanda Miller, within the program. I learned so much from each and every one of these mentors. They have poured a lot into my life. I can say honestly that I learn something new every day.
Share an accomplishment you are proud of
Something you may not know about me is that I’m not homegrown here in Greensboro. I used to live in Connecticut and I went to the Ailey School to pursue modern dance and then SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Dance. That was my entire life—dance. I’m extremely proud of coming to deciding to transfer to UNCG. Making that decision was hard, but it was something I needed to do. I had to take the time to truly listen to myself and admit I wasn’t necessarily happy where I was in life. I then also needed to find out where I could really make a home for myself. UNCG looked like that place for me and I’m so glad I made the decision to enroll.
What is a topic that makes you lose track of time?
I wish the topic was more inspiring or informational but, something I definitely can lose track of time thinking about are marvel characters, movies, and shows. The original Captain America is the coolest character in the entire marvel universe in my opinion. I’ll debate this with anyone!
What skills would you like to really hone over the next year?
I’d love to work more on my communication skills. Communication is one of the keys to being successful in life. My internship gave me the opportunity to improve my communication skills and highlighted my areas for grow. I had to stretch myself past my comfort zones. This summer I have been intentional about getting better with verbal and written communication.
Something you are secretly good at and one thing you are secretly bad at?
Even though I’m a dancer and I grew up playing the saxophone – I’m really good at playing the piano. I can’t sing along – but I can play!
I also like to experiment with fun and new hairstyles . People expect me to be able to ‘do their hair’ but this could not be further from the truth. I’m so bad at doing other people’s hair – but a lot of people would not guess that because I am always wearing new styles.
As a Fellow, intern, and resident of Greensboro what are some of the things you hope for the future?
I honestly hope that those with decision-making power and local community members take charge and make change within their communities. No singular person should be the driving force behind community change.
I also hope that the east side of Greensboro becomes a priority. I learned through the IntraCity Visit of 2021 that the life expectancy of its residents is 5 years less in this part of the city. It is time to be there for our neighbors.
I love what Campus Greensboro sets out to accomplish. I love that they are trying to connect us to the workplaces in broader Greensboro.
