Tae'Vaughn Smith (right) pictured with his classmate and fellow intern, Raemir Moore (left) and their on-site superviser at the Western PA School for Blind Children.

We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on Tae, one of our incredible interns from the 2024-25 school year who truly made his mark at the Western PA School for Blind Children!

Tae, alongside a peer, holds the distinction of being among the first interns ever placed in the school's facilities department. This pioneering spirit has not only added immense value to the department but has also set an inspiring precedent for future interns.

Tae's dedication and strong work ethic were evident as he shared his diverse range of tasks. He conquered the "meadow project," making it his own through replanting and watering, demonstrating impressive initiative. His responsibilities also included the physical demands of moving salt pallets and equipment, sweeping, and clearing areas – all tasks he tackled with remarkable commitment.

Tae's internship was not just about the physical labor; it's also about the valuable relationships he's built within the school and the strong bond he's forged with his peer. It's been incredibly refreshing to witness Tae truly come into his own, growing in confidence and capability.

Tae's reflections on his takeaways are particularly insightful. He highlighted improvements in his visual learning skills, responsibility, hardworking nature, and problem-solving abilities. He's gained practical knowledge about plants and learned the critical importance of teamwork. His time management, attention to detail, and communication skills have also seen significant enhancement.

His mentor couldn't be prouder, stating that Tae has "set the bar high" and "exceeded expectations" for the program. Described as a "joy to work with" and a "quick learner," Tae has truly excelled. His experience has given him valuable insight into physical and manual labor, which will be instrumental as he plans to attend trade school after graduation to pursue his future career interest in the construction field.