This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the Penn Museum, an experience that left me enriched, inspired, and more refined as a high schooler. I came into this internship expecting to learn about ancient artifacts and the nuances of museum operations. What I gained, however, went far beyond that.
I became a filmmaker in seven weeks and released my first short film which was displayed in the Ancient Food & Flavors exhibition. This was an experience that allowed me to blend creativity with education, immersing myself in the timeless narratives that shape our world. At first I wondered, what could a high school student bring to a Museum filled with centuries of history? As it turns out, the answer was both simple and profound: rice.
The Rice Film Project
One of the most exciting parts of my internship was working on a short film about rice. Yes, rice—the humble grain that transcends cultures and continents, uniting people through its role in cuisines around the world. The project aimed to explore how rice connects communities, both historically and in the present day.
I had the privilege of working alongside three other interns: Nahiem, Calliope, and Yixi. This opportunity was provided to us through the Bloomberg Arts Internship Program, designed for rising high school seniors. We each had to create a short film, surrounding the theme of food. Our journey started in Ancient Food & Flavors, exploring and brainstorming on which topic to pick. We shared our ideas together and concluded with focusing on four unique foods: tacos, spice, dumplings and rice. Together, we collaborated on every aspect of our projects, from research to filming to final editing.
Our supervisor, Camden Copeland, helped guide us through this process. Camden ensured we stayed on track for our exhibition publication while encouraging us to think creatively. Additionally, Jasmine Lynea from Big Picture Alliance taught us how to film and use professional cameras, making the technical aspects of the project more accessible. Their mentorship was invaluable as we created films that had meaning to us and contributed to a larger story.
As part of this journey, we ventured into the heart of Philadelphia, capturing footage at Reading Terminal Market, Center City, and the Museum itself. One particularly memorable moment was when I stopped a visitor in the Museum to ask about his favorite rice dish. I could tell he wasn’t sure how to answer at first, but then he launched into a story about his favorite rice dish, paella, served at the restaurant he often visited with his wife, and he gave a timeline of how it brought them together in their marriage. Hearing these personal connections made me realize just how deeply food ties us to our histories.
Working at the Penn Museum wasn’t just about creating a film; it was about connecting with history in tangible ways. One standout activity was exploring the Museum by picking out artifacts from different galleries that were similar to items we use today. This exercise showed how much has changed over time but also how much has stayed the same.
Another memorable moment came during a Daily Dig presentation in the Asian Gallery. An incredible staff member, Ah-Young Kim, made the session interactive as she showcased a Chinese artifact with intricate detail. She broke the piece down into its components and asked us thoughtful questions about its significance. This hands-on approach made the artifact’s story come alive and deepened my appreciation for the Museum’s collections.
This internship also taught me to embrace challenges. Not everyone I approached for interviews was willing to participate, but I learned that setbacks are part of the process. Rejections pushed me to think creatively, adapt, and keep moving forward—a lesson that extends far beyond the Museum’s walls.
A Thank You to the Penn Museum
My time at the Penn Museum has been transformative. It has solidified my passion for storytelling and strengthened my belief in the power of history to connect us all. To Camden, Jasmine, Ah-Young, and everyone who supported me throughout this journey, thank you for believing in me and for giving me the chance to contribute to this incredible institution.
Demilade Ojo is a student at Carver High School in Philadelphia.
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