A Summer at the Obama Presidential Center Introduces Interns to Bright Futures
Every summer, Lakeside Alliance welcomes the next generation of construction talent to our team as summer interns. This year’s cohort gained valuable experience in the field and got a taste of the fast-paced industry as the Obama Presidential Center project transformed on a daily basis.
These interns not only got to shake hands with former President Barack Obama during his site visit celebrating the topping out of the Museum building, they also signed their names — alongside the President’s and dozens of others — on a support beam that was installed in the Sky Room to commemorate the team bringing this historic project to life.
While they each had a unique experience, one thing all six interns can agree on is that their summer with #TeamOPC is further proof that they have chosen the right career path. Hear more from Savion Miller, Peter Borzecki, Modupe “Mo” Arowolo, Ian Baeza, Aya Hassanein and Marco Rodriguez in their own words!
How did you decide what you wanted to study?
Miller: My family is on the residential side of construction. That intrigued me and I decided to go into construction during my sophomore year.
Borzecki: At first, I was enrolled in civil engineering. After six months, I really enjoyed my circuit class and my coding class, and felt a switch to electrical engineering was right for me.
Arowolo: Having over five years of experience in mechanical engineering and also in manufacturing, I decided to do something that would help me explore technology and management together and where I could expand the use of AI to improve systems and also expand the role of a manager.
Hassanein: I leaned toward civil engineering because it was very broad. You can go into various fields!
Baeza: I was part of the ACE mentorship program in high school, and I was very intrigued by the construction aspect and wanted to learn more about the management side of the industry.
Rodriguez: I have a couple family members that chose the same major and told me really good things about it. So, I was interested and decided that I wanted to study construction engineering.
What interests you most about your specific vein of construction?
Miller: I like to go onsite and walk with superintendents, shadow them and pick their brain about how they would deal with certain situations and how they got into their positions.
Borzecki: Everything is very interesting to me. The most surprising to me would be the fact that there will be no boilers or any gas generators at the Center. It’s all going to be geothermal, so it’s going to be very cool to see how they manage to keep water warm without any gas or any equipment.
Arowolo: Transitioning from mechanical to construction, it’s a different ballgame…construction is a fast-paced world and I love that I am able to learn something new everyday.
Hassanein: One good coincidence was, when I started this internship in January, I was taking a class on concrete and also working on the Tower structure onsite. So it was interesting to learn concrete in the school setting and, at the same time, learn it in the field.
Baeza: What interests me the most about the management side of construction is the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. Things such as the communication with the subcontractors and all the drawings that are made for each part of the project is amazing to see!
Rodriguez: I have really found it fascinating to see how the ductwork and plumbing is run through a building.
What was on your internship bucket list for the summer?
Miller: To gain the most experience I could. But once I got on the project, I just wanted to shake Barack Obama’s hand, and I got to do that my second week. My mom actually shed a tear when I told her I shook his hand.
Borzecki: Meeting Obama was really cool. I never had that on my bucket list to begin with because I never thought it would be possible!
Arowolo: One of the things that was amazing to me is when I had the opportunity to meet the former President Barack Obama. He came around to sign the beam. I also signed the beam. He commended our work and appreciated the opportunity to work together to form this building.
Hassanein: I talked with the general superintendent and he said, “Before you leave, you’re going to lead Stretch and Flex one day.” I was like, OK! I also teach gymnastics to little kids, so stretching and leading a group is normal for me.
Baeza: One of the top things on my bucket list was to just be on a large-scale project, and there isn't a better project for this than the Obama Presidential Center.
Rodriguez: Just having the opportunity to be on a job of this magnitude has been an amazing experience.
What advice would you give to other young people considering a career in construction?
Miller: Study the business and get as much experience as you can with someone already in the industry.
Borzecki: Get an internship as early as possible because if you don’t try anything, you’ll never know if that particular field is the right fit for you.
Arowolo: Never stop asking questions. If you’re lost and you don’t ask questions, you’ll just get stuck. If you ask questions, it will lead you one step closer to your home. Who you are, what you want to be, it all boils down to you.
Hassanein: Starting off with an internship is a really good choice. If you don’t like it you can find something else. But if you do like it, it gives you the chance of knowing exactly what you want to do.
Baeza: Take advantage of all the opportunities that are given to you. Walk the site regularly as it allows you to not only see the work going on but how it relates to the tasks that you are doing.
Rodriguez: Don't be afraid to ask questions and be a sponge. Take in all the information you are provided because it will benefit you in the long run.
What have you enjoyed most about your experience working with Lakeside Alliance?
Miller: Listening in on conversations they have as a team. I pick up certain words and definitions I haven’t heard before.
Borzecki: It’s a lot of diverse people. I’m learning a lot in terms of other people’s culture. They have different perspectives, and it makes it really nice for everyone to come together and focus on the project.
Arowolo: They are happy to help. They are happy to train you, to be of service to you. I love asking questions. I have not met one person who says, “You ask too many questions.”
Hassanein: The people and the interactions I’ve had with them are the best part of it. Honestly, it’s crazy because in the beginning I was very closed off because I need time to warm up and get to know people. Now, I’ve gone up to everyone in the office. The people are amazing.
Baeza: The Lakeside Alliance team is an amazing group of people. Everyone was so welcoming to me when I first came to the job and made me feel like I was part of the team. The team works very well together and communicates everything that is going on. It is a great environment to be a part of. This internship at the Obama Presidential Center has been an incredibly valuable experience, and I am so grateful for every one of the team members.
Rodriguez: It’s diverse with different personalities from different companies. I have really appreciated all the advice and information I have been provided throughout my time here.