And Then There Was One; Highlighting Things I’ve Learned From Co-intern, Ashton Becks

By: Anne Frances Frazier, MTI

In internship, you gain a lot of things, knowledge being at the forefront, along with experience, perspective, discipline, and more. It’s really lucky to also get to add a dear friend to that list. 

Sharing this experience with someone so talented and genuine has provided me with many examples to learn from (and laughs), and I’m so glad that there are things I can take forward with me into the rest of my career and life. 

1. Learning Names Goes A Long Way

I witnessed Ashton confidently list off 30+ names during a “goodbye” song to close a group. Impressive is an understatement. Seeing him go around the room and shake hands, ask names, and build connections is a great reminder of how impactful and human it is to smile at someone and call them by their name. 

2. Dance it Out

When things get hard and you find yourself reaching a lull, a little dancing is a great way to refocus and take a quick second to move your body. Internship can stretch you, so sharing laughter and hitting some moves greatly helped to get centered and back to work. (Here is an article I discovered that discusses all the physiological benefits of dancing) 

3. Fuel Yourself

Ashton and I shared many Celsius drinks and protein bars. It is important to show up as your best self during internship, and being properly fueled is an important step to accomplishing that. He would always make sure I had a snack, and I appreciated the comradery that came with trying and rating different Celsius flavors. I’m glad he and his lunchbox were always so close by. 

4. Be Kind Always 

Kindness is at the center of Ashton’s therapeutic presence. Witnessing the way he treats others greatly inspired me and is a motivator to continue on the kindness-spreading standard he’s strongly exemplified. His impact is felt deeply by the PMT community. 

 Image Description: Ashton and Anne Frances smile with a male client during an individual music therapy session with acoustic guitar.

Though I will finish out the rest of my internship as the sole MTI, Ashton has surely left his mark on PMT, and on me!