from the cover Kate hopes the interns also build a larger personal and professional network. “At FLCC, I created such great relationships with the teachers and my friends. I gained great connections throughout that time, and now I want to give back to the FLCC community.” Making it all fit Geisha Aman of Penn Yan assisted in the Y’s dedicated space for science, art, and technology projects. She is also a mother of two and works as the youth employment and training counselor for Yates County Workforce Development. “I work in small intervals for two to three days a week, totaling about six hours a week,” she said. “The Y complements my current position because my work there helps youth identify talents that can translate to career interests. “It also lets me interact with youth in a more relaxed environment than my office. I get insight into what youth like, and this helps me tailor services for youth in Yates County.” Her classmate, Carla Holtz of Shortsville, specialized in the Active Older Adults (AOA) program, prepping and teaching craft classes and assisting with the weekly AOA newsletter at the branch. “It has enhanced my skills in communicating effectively with the aging population and to listen empathetically when they express concerns,” she said. Like Geisha, Carla is a non-traditional student. “I enrolled later in life because it has been my long-term goal to go back to school,” she said. “It brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment when I am able to help another individual through a crisis, to make a connection or to simply be there so they don’t feel alone.” Sam Weiner is the founder of WineryConnect, which provides IT support to wineries. He began offering internships to FLCC students about eight years ago at the recommendation of alumnus Rick Plympton ’83, ’85, the retired CEO of Optimax. “It’s a learning curve on both sides,” Sam said. He explained it’s important to understand your individual and business goals before bringing on an intern. “You have a moral and legal obligation. They have to get value. It has to be educational.” The results have been “magnificent,” he said, with each intern bringing new talents and ideas to his business. Patrick Mitchell ’24, an accounting major, tackled social media marketing during his WineryConnect internship. Sam then hired him as a contractor to manage a monthly campaign for about a year. In spring 2025, Makiko “Michelle” Yasumi, a computer science student from the Bronx, worked on requirement analysis, which entails identifying and documenting a client’s software and technology needs. “She’s one in a million. She has a way about her. She knows how to talk to people,” he said. He also paid her to continue working for a few months after the internship. Ryan Porricolo ’24, a networking and cybersecurity graduate, impressed Sam so much that he hired him part-time in early 2025. Ryan helped WineryConnect land a new client on Long Island before leaving for a new position. An employer’s story Cameron Glessing of Ontario, left, completed 135 hours at the Y for his sports management degree while Geisha Aman, a human services major, completed 90 hours. Geisha also represents students on the FLCC Board of Trustees. 6 | theLAKER Internship contacts For help setting up an internship: Linda Cunningham, (585) 785-1317, Linda.Cunningham@flcc.edu For help covering costs: Felix Muzza, (716) 969-3443, Felix.Muzza@flcc.edu
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