#LifeAt1871: Meet Our Summer Interns!

1871
1871
Jul 10, 2017 · 3 min read

Summertime means fun in the sun, fun in the shade and if you’re a student not taking summer classes — internships! To celebrate our ten Summer ‘17 interns we asked them a few questions about themselves and aspirations. For our first installment, meet our Programming interns Amy Kamin and Kevin Gerbie. They’re supported by Programming Manager, Veronica Rodriguez, and Programming/Membership Associate, Kat Rohklin.

Our content and programming is built around the member companies at 1871, and constantly evolving with their growth and future in mind. With over 30 workshops a month and 300 in 2016 alone, Kevin and Amy are getting an “in the trenches” peek at the work it takes to support the growth of over 1,500 individual members.

Amy Kamin, Programming Intern (Credit: Greg Rothstein/1871)

What would be your dream job?
I would love to work for a non-profit helping to develop and implement educational and outreach programs using emerging technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality. Ideally, I would be involved in projects related to broadening cultural awareness worldwide including bringing global cultural experiences to those without traditional access due to disability or income.

What inspires you the most?
I am very passionate about art and its ability to create deep emotional connections in an almost passive, accidental way. Nothing is more inspiring to me than being unexpectedly pulled out of my mundane day-to-day thinking and to-do lists into a more reflective, conceptual mind space like when I stumble upon a work of art that connects with me. It’s completely spiritual.

What have you learned so far from this experience?
In the first two weeks, I have attended five workshops, participated in four lunch & learns, and attended two events including the wholly fascinating and inspirational WiSTEM Showcase. I have worked with smart, hardworking and successful people every single day. Throughout these experiences I am constantly re-learning how valuable it is to connect with others that share my values and seek to sustain relationships that are not just mutually beneficial but will guide me through to my next opportunity. I’m also still learning how to not feel weird in front of a camera.

Kevin Gerbie, Programming Intern (Credit: Greg Rothstein, 1871)

What inspires you the most?
I am most inspired by the possibility of what can be achieved with hard work and collaboration. We all have something to offer each other and seeing people come together to solve problems can be so satisfying and inspiring.

Favorite thing about being a #1871er?
My favorite thing about being at 1871 is the culture. I love that everyone here is working hard and always looking to learn from each other. What Howard (Tullman) said to us on the first day also really resonated with me in terms of taking our work very seriously but not taking ourselves too seriously. That seems like a great message to live by.

What does #LifeAfter1871 look like?
After 1871 I plan on going back to Ann Arbor for my junior year at the University of Michigan. I will then be spending second semester traveling abroad in Europe. Then hopefully one day down the road I will get to apply the skills and lessons I learned at 1871 to a startup of my own.

Pictured: Kevin and Amy working with Veronica Rodriguez, Programming Manager. (Credit: Greg Rothstein/1871)

Let’s give a round of applause for Amy and Kevin! New installments of #LifeAt1871 every week.

Want to get in touch? Message us at contact@1871.com.

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1871

We’re where Chicago’s digital designers, engineers and entrepreneurs come to build their businesses. | www.1871.com

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