A Q&A with our intern from USM
How did you first hear about Portland Downtown?
I walked by the office several times a day (noticing the sign every time), until one day I finally decided to swing in. Upon my moseying into the organization, I browsed their literature which was informative and catchy. Besides browsing the literature they provide, I was hooked by the radiating vibes.
Why is Portland Downtown's mission meaningful to you?
Following my knowledge of the organization, I quickly learned that this specific non-profit shares the same ideas and morals that I possess. Portland Downtown wants to keep a clean, safe, vibrant, beautiful, welcoming, fun, and all-around sensational place to feel at home. That being said, that's why their mission is meaningful to me.
What does your Service Learning project entail?
The Service Learning Project entails me utilizing the skills/skillset that I have acquired over the past years as a student here at
University of Southern Maine
. Using those skills, I am required to assist a non-profit in any way the non-profit sees fit. In essence, I need to collaborate with a non-profit organization in the community to assist in documenting its activities and help fulfill its mission.
What have you learned about the organization so far?
I have learned that this organization is so much more than what it seems. Beyond organizing the events in town that everyone loves (the Old Port Festival, Merry Madness, and the Tree Lighting in Monument Square), Portland Downtown is responsible for keeping the streets clean and safe and for keeping our downtown lively and beautiful. Many people - particularly younger groups - may not know that Portland Downtown is behind these efforts. I believe that making the younger audience aware of who Portland Downtown is, is extremely important. This should be a focus for the future.
What are some of your favorite downtown hotspots?
I actually enjoy most all of the Portland Downtown locations!
Slab
,
Novare Res
,
Taco Escobarr
, and
State Theatre
just to name a few. There are so many places that I would love to try that I have not yet, and so many that I will continue to visit! They're all really great places to try out!
If you aren't already, be sure to follow Dustin's adventures on
Portland Downtown's Instagram
. His photos and stories - previewed below - lovingly showcase the very best of downtown!
