Internships Help Students "Figure things Out"

     Intern Joseph Lewis enjoys spending time in the Maker Space at PoHi’s Phillips 66 STEM building. Guided by STEM director Alicia Smith, he spends his internship creating, problem-solving, and “figuring things out.”

​     When asked if he ever gets frustrated, Joseph couldn’t think of an instance—despite troubleshooting a 3D printer issue while sitting on the floor. Diagnosis? Not yet. Plan? He and Ms. Smith would work one out, even if it meant taking the printer apart. Many would find this frustrating, but not Joseph.

     “I have zero complaints. It’s perfect. I spend hours doing projects that help the school without worrying about extra homework. What could be better?”

     In his second and final year with the Wildcat Internship Program, Joseph knows the Maker Space well. He can give you a tour, explain 3D modeling software, and showcase laser-cut and 3D-printed creations, like a small boat with an outboard engine. One of his biggest projects was laser cutting QR codes for photos of Ponca City’s Hall of Fame Alumni, linking each to a digital biography—a creative way to honor their legacies while learning advanced STEM skills.

     Mid-tour, Joseph recalls a frustrating moment involving printer settings, filaments, and “tk, tk, tk” sounds. “It was on the lowest setting when I should’ve turned it up—basically my fault,” he laughs. “That was a little annoying.”
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     For a student who started with no experience, Joseph’s internship has offered countless opportunities to learn valuable STEM skills and master the art of “figuring things out”—an essential trait for today’s workforce.