David

David
Hometown: Scituate, MA
Previous School: Wentworth Institute of Technology,
Internship(s): Worcester Publishing IT Dept., Channing Terrace Community Center
Career Interests: Technical support, electronics, computer repair

On Why I Chose Dynamy
At the end of my sophomore year in college I began to question the direction I was headed in. I realized that I needed to take a year off to really assess where I was academically and socially. I felt that Dynamy could help me improve vital life skills and help me determine in which direction to head during my final two years of college.

On My Internship Experience
My first internship was at Worcester Publishing, which publishes the Maine Business Journal, Hartford Business Journal, Worcester Business Journal, and Worcester Magazine. I worked for the IT department under Peter Wilson, who was a Dynamy intern himself many years ago and had also served as a board member. One of my larger responsibilities was to create an in-house web server using the Linux operating system. For the non-tech savvy, it is simply the thing that displays web content. They were in the process of re-designing their website and needed a way to host it locally. I spent months independently implementing and improving the server. The project was so large that Peter offered me a second internship to complete it!

My other responsibilities included user support, web development, content entry, and system construction. There was so much to be done...I was also offered a paying job! Having little experience in the workplace, I learned a great deal about the office environment. I also learned that when I put my mind to it, I can accomplish a lot. Completing the task of setting up a Linux web server was a huge asset to Worcester Magazine. It’s something they will always use, and something I will always know how to do. It was also very interesting to see how all the individual departments came together to accomplish one goal, and how I actually made a large impact on that process. My internship reinforced my desire to work in the information technology field. Not only am I good at it, I can also relate well to the people working in the field.

On Apartment Life
My apartment mates have helped me understand, and improve on, all aspects of my life. By far the biggest impact they’ve had is on my social skills. I have made some big strides in that aspect of my life this year, thanks to my fellow interns.

On Life in Worcester
I enjoy the close proximity to stores and entertainment. I'm a music lover so the Palladium and DCU Center are great attractions. Exercise is also one of my top priorities, and Worcester doesn't disappoint when it comes to gyms. I'm a member of Family Fitness near the Greendale Mall, and I'm very pleased with their facilities.

On Adventure Challenge
Highlights for me were definitely rock climbing and whitewater canoeing; they were both adrenaline pumping and physically challenging experiences. The feeling that went through my body was a feeling of accomplishment that gave me a lot of confidence in my physical abilities. I performed so surprisingly well on the adventure challenge that it led me to joining the gym. I have never felt more physically healthy than I do now, and I have Outward Bound to thank for that.

On My Dynamy Experience
The strongest elements of the program for me were the social interactions as well as the experience of a real world job. I'm naturally a very shy person so the many "forced" social situations have helped strengthen my communication skills. Gaining experience through a real world internship in my field was an invaluable experience. Not only did I gain knowledge but connections that will help me in my future endeavors.

On My Plans for the Future
My plan for next year is to continue with my college education. However, I will be transferring from my previous school in Boston to a school located outside of a city. Internship Year has reinforced the fact that I enjoy the field of technology and prefer a more rural setting.