Whether you walk into a restaurant, a classroom, or a new office, there’s always that moment when you scan the room, sense the energy, and take in the atmosphere. When I first joined Ideba, that wave of energy hit me immediately. It reminded me of my first day at Penn State, when my parents dropped me off for freshman year and I was searching for a sense of belonging. Comfort is something we all seek because it enables us to open up, contribute, and grow.
Looking back on my first year at Penn State, I realize just how much having a support system affected my ability to thrive. The campus was huge and overwhelming at first, but my roommate and friends made it feel smaller and more manageable. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to try new things, join clubs, and step outside my comfort zone. Knowing I wasn’t alone made all the difference.
I had a similar experience with my high school basketball team, where none of us were particularly tall or the most serious players, but we were incredibly close. We took weekend trips to the Poconos, had sleepovers, and spent nearly every moment hanging out together. That bond carried us all the way to the state championship. It wasn’t just our skills that got us there; it was the trust and friendship we built off the court. That experience taught me early on how important connection and culture are for any kind of success.
That same feeling followed me into my internship at Ideba. On my very first day, I found myself connecting with team members from all sorts of roles and backgrounds. What stood out wasn’t just their skills, but their genuine kindness. From casual greetings to thoughtful advice, every interaction made me feel like I belonged. That welcome made it easy to ask questions, seek guidance, and dive into projects with confidence. Experiencing such a positive culture firsthand showed me just how much the environment around you shapes your success.
During my internship, I saw lessons from my management class come alive in real ways. I’d studied how company culture is the foundation of success within any organization. That remained true throughout Ideba.
I also noticed how team members celebrated even small wins together. Whether it was looking out for one another or coming together to finish a project, there was always genuine support from the group. Those moments created a sense of belonging and motivated me to push myself further. Culture isn’t just about big gestures; it’s in the day-to-day kindness and encouragement that make you want to do your best.
For me, the biggest takeaway is that positive culture changes how you show up every day. When you feel supported, you’re more willing to share ideas, take risks, and own your work. It’s not just about making work fun, it’s about creating a space where people can grow and push boundaries without fear. That kind of environment turned a group of individuals into a team, and I’m grateful to have experienced it firsthand.
As I move forward in my career, I know the skills I gain will matter. But even more important is the kind of environment I’m in. Feeling part of a culture where people genuinely care about each other encourages growth, creativity, and resilience. No matter where I go next, I want to be part of that kind of culture, and I want to help build it too.
Mackenzie Harmer – Research Intern
