{"id":3131,"date":"2026-06-25T12:45:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:45:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/business\/?p=3131"},"modified":"2026-06-26T14:10:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T18:10:39","slug":"more-than-marketing-how-my-internship-at-freedom-sings-usa-taught-me-the-power-of-storytelling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/business\/2026\/06\/25\/more-than-marketing-how-my-internship-at-freedom-sings-usa-taught-me-the-power-of-storytelling\/","title":{"rendered":"More than marketing: How my internship taught me the power of storytelling\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6054a.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"639\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6054a-1024x639.jpeg\" alt=\"Macey Reagan stands in between two men as she appears on News 12 TV to promote Freedom Sings. \" class=\"wp-image-3132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6054a-1024x639.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6054a-768x479.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6054a-580x362.jpeg 580w, https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6054a-610x381.jpeg 610w, https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6054a.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Written by&nbsp;Macey Reagan,&nbsp;marketing&nbsp;major at the&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/utc.edu\/rollins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Gary W.&nbsp;Rollins College of Business<\/em><\/a><em>&nbsp;at the&nbsp;University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>As a first-generation college student from Chattanooga, I have always been drawn to opportunities that make a meaningful impact&nbsp;in&nbsp;my community. As a marketing major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I found that opportunity through my internship with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/freedomsingsusa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Freedom Sings USA<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Freedom Sings connects veterans with professional songwriters to transform stories of service,&nbsp;sacrifice&nbsp;and resilience into original songs. Veterans are given a voice,&nbsp;connection&nbsp;and a chance to share experiences that might otherwise go unheard. As a&nbsp;marketing&nbsp;intern, I help by creating social media content, designing promotional&nbsp;materials&nbsp;and supporting outreach that connects veterans and their families with the mission. Being part of this work has helped me understand how storytelling can create real community impact.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why this internship felt like a calling<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I chose this internship because of the people behind it. Freedom Sings USA stands apart because of selfless individuals who give their time and hearts to veterans.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the daughter of a Marine veteran, I understand military stories from a personal perspective. This internship has helped me look beyond uniforms and medals to hear personal stories of sacrifice, loss,&nbsp;resilience&nbsp;and hope. The compassion there is powerful. This opportunity felt like a calling \u2014 to listen more closely, lead with empathy and see people with understanding rather than assumption. It has also deepened my gratitude for spaces that encourage empathy and human connection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6462.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"651\" height=\"977\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6462-edited.jpeg\" alt=\"Macey Reagan poses for a photo, smiling in the sun. \" class=\"wp-image-3134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6462-edited.jpeg 651w, https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6462-edited-580x870.jpeg 580w, https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_6462-edited-610x915.jpeg 610w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 651px) 100vw, 651px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What my days&nbsp;actually look&nbsp;like<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a&nbsp;marketing&nbsp;intern at Freedom Sings USA, no two days are the same. My responsibilities include creating social media content, designing marketing materials, promoting&nbsp;events&nbsp;and sharing the organization&#8217;s story. I design graphics, flyers and digital content that connect veterans and families with programs and opportunities. Through social media and event promotion, I help expand the organization&#8217;s reach. These tasks have shown me how consistency and creativity work together with professional communication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am especially proud of my work on the Annual 2026 Trailblazers Luncheon, where I designed programs, posters, auction bidding&nbsp;certificates&nbsp;and table cards. For weeks, they were only drafts on my computer.&nbsp;Seeing them used at the actual event was unforgettable.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watching guests interact with my work gave me real joy \u2014 and a feeling I&nbsp;won&#8217;t&nbsp;forget anytime soon.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What surprised me most<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before starting this internship, I expected to feel intimidated. I was surrounded by&nbsp;number-one&nbsp;hit songwriters, business leaders and talented musicians, and I did not see myself as one of them. I thought I would feel out of place or like I had to prove I belonged. I worried I would constantly compare myself to others and feel behind.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What surprised me most was how kind and appreciative everyone is \u2014 including toward me. People choose to be here because they care deeply about the mission. Their selflessness stands out to me daily.&nbsp;From Don Goodman&#8217;s storytelling,&nbsp;to Steve Dean&#8217;s humor and warmth, to Bobbie Standefer&#8217;s business-driven leadership \u2014 each co-founder shares the same passion for veterans and treats every person with respect and kindness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This experience has taught me that impact comes from love and passion, but also strength without harshness. I have learned that you can be driven while still treating people with respect. That balance shapes how I see marketing and leadership, and this lesson stays with me in every interaction I have.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How the&nbsp;Rollins&nbsp;College of&nbsp;Business prepared me<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My experience at the Rollins College of Business at UTC prepared me for this internship in ways I&nbsp;didn&#8217;t&nbsp;fully appreciate until I was in the role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My Rollins Scholars courses with Jaclyn York took me into Chattanooga businesses through tours and hands-on experiences that showed how organizations work beyond the classroom. Similarly, Public Speaking with Vincent Phipps pushed me to&nbsp;present with&nbsp;confidence and professionalism \u2014 skills I use constantly in this role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I owe much of my growth to the Rollins College of Business, Jaclyn York, and Professor Phipps. I am especially thankful for the support and encouragement from the faculty and&nbsp;staff who genuinely care about their students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_4215.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_4215-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"Macey Reagan stands outside a UTC dorm wearing a blue UTC shirt and is surrounded by 3 friends. \" class=\"wp-image-3135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_4215-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_4215-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_4215-580x435.jpeg 580w, https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_4215-610x458.jpeg 610w, https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2026\/06\/IMG_4215.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>My advice to future interns<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This internship reshaped how I understand marketing. It is about reaching the right people and building a community.&nbsp;Good marketing is connection&nbsp;and trust \u2014 not just visibility or numbers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Marketing is more than promotion.&nbsp;It is about&nbsp;helping important stories reach the right people.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For students considering nonprofit internships, my advice is simple: do not be afraid of the unfamiliar. You will meet incredible people, learn more than expected&nbsp;and grow in ways you cannot yet see. I know I have.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have learned to lead with patience, understanding&nbsp;and kindness. You never know what battle someone is carrying \u2014 even small moments like a simple smile or a few encouraging words can make&nbsp;a huge difference&nbsp;in someone&#8217;s life.&nbsp;I&#8217;ve&nbsp;seen it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This internship has shown me the power of storytelling, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally and personally through Freedom Sings USA. It has strengthened my goals and my appreciation for marketing and community engagement while giving me confidence in the direction I am&nbsp;heading&nbsp;after graduation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Go&nbsp;Mocs!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photos courtesy Macey Reagan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Let\u2019s&nbsp;see where business&nbsp;will&nbsp;take you.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Marketing is more than promotion \u2014&nbsp;it&#8217;s&nbsp;connection,&nbsp;storytelling&nbsp;and community. At the Gary W. Rollins College of Business,&nbsp;you&#8217;ll&nbsp;build those skills through real-world experience, faculty who invest in your growth&nbsp;and a program that prepares you to lead with both strategy and purpose.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utc.edu\/apply\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apply today<\/a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;begin your marketing journey.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Written by&nbsp;Macey Reagan,&nbsp;marketing&nbsp;major at the&nbsp;Gary W.&nbsp;Rollins College of Business&nbsp;at the&nbsp;University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.&nbsp; As a first-generation college student from Chattanooga, I have always been drawn to opportunities that make a meaningful impact&nbsp;in&nbsp;my community. As a marketing major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I found that opportunity through my internship with&nbsp;Freedom Sings USA.&nbsp;&hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-wrap\"><span><a class=\"more-link button text\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/business\/2026\/06\/25\/more-than-marketing-how-my-internship-at-freedom-sings-usa-taught-me-the-power-of-storytelling\/\"><span>Continue Reading <\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2069,"featured_media":3132,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,9268,9884,9278,120259,120266],"tags":[51,68299,116,57,101,150],"class_list":{"0":"post-3131","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cob-students","8":"category-guest-blog","9":"category-hot-topics","10":"category-internships","11":"category-marketing","12":"category-uncategorized","13":"tag-business","14":"tag-business-students","15":"tag-chattanooga","16":"tag-college-of-business","17":"tag-marketing","18":"tag-utc","19":"entry"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>More than marketing: How my internship taught me the power of storytelling\u00a0 - Gary W. 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