The Optima Chemical Group family is pleased to present the testimony of Miss Whitney Wilson on her recent internship as part of the STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It was our pleasure having her as part of our team for the summer, and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.
“Only a few hours in and I could not contain my excitement for Optima Chemical! I most likely said that to everybody that welcomed me for the first week. I am most astonished to see such a positive work environment among the employees. From the moment you walk in, you feel an instant sense of warmth and cheerfulness. For me, this is delightful as I am quite sociable and feed off positive energy. My usual day starts off with collecting batch sheets from within the plant. I put on my hard hat and safety glasses and then venture out. Along the way, I pass several processors performing their own specific task. You begin to realize all this talk of safety is not something taken lightly. These chemicals are not only hazardous but fatal in most cases. We have meetings twice a week usually concerning ways to stay safe. So the precautionary measures that are followed by everyone around the clock are vital. Everyone even entering the plant must wear a hard hat and safety glasses; it is nice to see the safety taken so seriously by all I have seen.
My first favorite thing about working here is getting to see the real challenges I will someday be facing. I listen intently to every solution to a problem and try my best to commit it to memory. I hope to use the very things I’ve learned here in my own life and job. My second favorite thing about working here would have to be that there is always something to learn. Not only from outside plant, but the people I work with. This is my first job and I honestly didn’t know what to expect as in how friendly or serious they would be. In every meeting I have attended, you would find us smiling about something, and I really feel that the people that work here love their job. I plan to be a chemical engineer one day and hopefully work for this company so the experiences I gain now will last a lifetime. I’m most grateful to get to work alongside these engineers and others in the plant. I can honestly say this is the job I could wake up to everyday and be excited!
There is no doubt in my mind that my peers, and others in STEM, will take away benefits that will last a lifetime. Not only that, but the job possibilities with these employers is something you will not find anywhere else. I believe this program benefits not only the high school students but employers as well. I feel like this is the STEM interns’ chance to show everybody how determined, ready and committed we are for the working world ahead.”
