Hello from Wyld Garden's summer intern, Orlena!

I’m Orlena (she/her), a rising sophomore at Wellesley College and an intern with Wyld Garden this summer! 

I’m still undecided on a major (there’s too much I want to learn!) but I’m considering crafting my own major in “Environmental and Human Health” or something similar. I’m a science nerd from a family of artists and most things I’m passionate about don’t fit neatly into any sort of box. I’ve long had an interest in public health (I think I was around 10 when I declared I wanted to be an epidemiologist!), but as a writer and lover of storytelling, I think a lot about the stories we tell (and don’t tell) in health and medicine and how they impact the humans that seek out care. 

Me proudly presenting the quiche I made for my family this past mothers' day.

I was born and raised in New York City where I’ve been lucky enough to meet people with all kinds of stories. One of my favorite pastimes is taking long walks through the city and people-watching (nyc’s the best place for it!) I also love reading, listening and dancing to good music and making yummy food for my family and friends. 

I’m an only child and my mom and I are very close, but she’ll tell you my birth was anything but easy. She was 37 and considered “geriatric” and I was a big baby who was seemingly stubbornly set on staying in the womb. Some might say it was an inevitably difficult birth, but in my work with Mel I’ve started to wonder how it would have looked different if my mom had been properly informed about her body, if she had doctors who had time to listen to her concerns, if she had someone to advocate for her — if she’d had a doula like Mel to ensure she felt knowledgeable, supported and empowered throughout her birth. 

I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to learn from Mel and work alongside them to tell some of the amazing birth stories they've witnessed and made possible. For those who've worked with Mel, keep an eye out for more info on how you might be able to share your story!