Community Immersion

I took a class entitled Community Immersion. Through that class, I had the opportunity to meet with and learn from professionals from across the community in the for-profit, non-profit, and government sectors. This page includes my learning and reflections on some of the presenters I found most significant.

For-Profit Sector

I had the opportunity to meet with Alan Rose at Robert Yates Racing Engines. Rose invited my class to visit the machine shop for Robert Yates. While there, I began to understand how complex the inner workings of such a large company really can be. For example, there were a lot of machines just to take apart and put back together an engine. I didn't even know what half of them did!

At Robert Yates Racing Engines, I was able to understand how systems work in terms of the product being produced. The engines had to be taken apart and rebuilt, then tested before given to the customer. This really helped me realize the long process it takes in a system to make sure the product is quality.

Alan Rose testing an engine in front of my class.

Evan Cupples explaining how the shop operates to my class.

County Government

I met with James Meacham from the Rowan County Tourism Bureau at the Rowan County Tourism Development Authority. There, I learned the importance of making Rowan County appealing to visitors. A lot of our income comes from tourists visiting the Cheerwine Festival and other events, so it's very important that they come every year!

At the Tourism Bureau, I understood how systems work in terms of the inputs. The Tourism Bureau has to make things more appealing for tourists, and whatever they add is considered an input.

James Meacham explains the operations of the tourism bureau.

James Meacham and I shake hands.

Municipal Government

I met with Chief Michael Lanning at the Spencer Fire Department. At the Fire Department, I had the opportunity to test out a fire hose and the jaws of life. Handling this heavy equipment made me respect the training that firefighters have to go through to save people. I don't believe I could ever step into that position myself, so I really admire those who do!

At the Spencer Fire Department, I began to understand how systems work in job positions such as police officers or firefighters. There is a whole process from getting the call for help to packing up the gear and driving off to help someone. It was interesting to learn about systems that are more fast paced like fire stations.

The Spencer Police allowing me to scan the speed of passing cars.

Chief Michael Lanning explaining how the fire hoses work.

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