Bonny Eagle High School
Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO)

Molly Sawyer 

Internship - Nonantum Resort

At the Nonantum Resort, I was able to gain real workforce experience, build lasting connections, and gain knowledge on my future career. Before my internship, I planned on working in the marketing and advertising industry and by the time I finished at Nonantum, I was confident in my interest. I was able to learn about the general business practice of the workplace and clients, along with skills specific to marketing and advertising. I also worked hands on with the marketing team and assisted with individual projects. As a result of the hospitality setting, it also introduced me to something I had no idea about. Now, from the help of my mentors and advisor, I have generated a future plan and feel confident in my work. 

I interviewed a third year medical student from Tufts to ask some questions about the transition into medical school, why he decided to go down this path, and to gather any advice I could for the future. Some of the biggest takeaways I discovered were that there are some challenges to going to medical school such as overcoming things like packed schedules, dealing with loneliness, lack of motivation, and making sacrifices. However, eventually, everything will become rewarding and satisfying, and the end goal is going to be worth it. I also learned that it would be helpful to go into a job in the hospital as either a scribe or an EMT to help with terminology and get experience. I also learned about the path to medical school, classes I should take, and why I think emergency medicine is a good fit for me. I had previously expressed interest in going in the Tufts Maine Track, and from this interview, I learned that it is a worthwhile option. I think this is an eye-opening opportunity and valuable resource.

The ACES program has opened a whole world of wonder. Being exposed to different aspects of careers pertaining to Architecture, Construction, Engineering, and STEM. I went in with limited knowledge only having a general interest. Nearing the end of the program I can confidently say what my next steps are. Weekly assignments have exposed aspects of different careers and has allowed me to explore and find my passion. Site tours showed the work environment and the end product labor. A final project incorporates all aspects of learned material through a small group project. If I hadn’t participated in the ACES program I may have moved on from a new and deep passion inspired by the mentors who graciously offered their experience in different careers to help provide the best learning experience possible.