Reghan Waltmire is a communications major in her senior year at Bowling Green State University. She has worked for District 1, Office of Communications the summers of 2017 and 2018. Here is her story:
What skills have you gained from working at ODOT?
During my internship at District 1, I've learned so many valuable skills that I will forever use on a daily basis. From working as a college seasonal in the Van Wert county garage two summers in a row to working my first internship in the office, I've learned how to handle different situations, how to manage my time responsibly and how to work with others inside and outside of ODOT. That's just a few of the many skills I will take with me wherever I may go in life.
What is the most surprising thing you've learned about ODOT?
The most surprising thing I've learned here at ODOT has to be all the different areas ODOT has to offer. It never occurred to me that there would need to be people that check the streams and road conditions before our road crews start working like our environmental department does. Or that there is a real estate team that works with all the different land and property they work on. All these different sections go hand in hand on what goes on outside of ODOT, and it has made this job so intriguing and exciting.
How have your education experiences helped you here at ODOT?
My education has prepared me here at ODOT in so many ways. My previous experience at the Van Wert garage helped because I had already seen all the different roadwork operations, and I knew what went on in the garages and on the roads, so it really helped prepare me for the kind of work I knew I would be doing as the Public Information Intern. My education from school gave me a basic overall knowledge about some of the things I had to deal with in the office.
How have your experiences here at ODOT helped with your education?
My internship was nothing but a fun way to learn all the things I'm learning at school. I've gotten to try so many new things and really get a feel for what I can see myself doing as a career. I got to learn how to take pictures, write articles and work for the public. Everyday here is nothing like the next, and I think it's so amazing. I've had a lot of different work experience as a young adult and this has been, by far, my favorite, and I have learned so much.
What are your goals after graduation?
After graduation I have no clue where I'll be, but I hope to continue to learn and experience new things. I hope to find a job that I love and that I find happiness in all that comes my way. I hope that no matter what, I will stay true to who I am and push myself to be the best version of myself that I can be in the workforce and in my everyday life.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time you will find me either watching Netflix, hanging with my amazing group of friends or playing with my adorable little yorkie, Bindi.