Connections Make Us Stronger

by Erin Tenney

This summer, I had the unique opportunity to participate in the Inside BERKS Business program for educators sponsored by the Berks Business Education Coalition and the Berks County Intermediate Unit. As a teacher in the Kutztown  School District, this has allowed me the opportunity to gain knowledge and insight into a business in the same community as my school.

Erin Tenney (left) and Ginger Goudie (right) at SOLO Labs.

When I found out my assignment was to spend four days at SOLO Labs, I couldn’t have been more excited. I knew that SOLO had donated a 3D printer to Kutztown School District. I also had heard from their Director of Operations regarding their needs and what businesses are seeking in employees at our opening in-service day of the 2018-2019 school year. The reason I was most excited to be a part of SOLO for four days was the connection that was made through one of my students earlier this year. I was able to work with the Internship Coordinator in my district to place a student at SOLO Labs in an unpaid internship. That unpaid internship turned into a paid internship, which when she graduated in June turned into full-time employment. I am so proud of her for representing herself and the school district so well, and I was looking forward to learning more about the company that hired her.

 Throughout my experience in this program, I have come to understand why employees love their jobs and many that I spoke to have been with the company for over 20 years. The company lives out its mission to Serve Others, Love Others each and every day. I will certainly take back all that I have learned from this experience and continue to refer students to SOLO. I believe that creating connections between our schools and local businesses are mutually beneficial, and I am looking forward to seeing where the relationship between the Kutztown Area School District and SOLO Labs will lead in the future.

 

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