At AMRoC FabLab, community is one of the foundational pillars of our broader mission, guiding our direction
each step of the way. With such a dedicated and diverse team powering AMRoC, we’d like to give them each the stage to highlight their work and introduce them to our broader community through our new Team Spotlight Series!
We’re going to start with author of the Team Spotlights that will follow this one, featuring one of the newest additions to our team, our Media and Marketing Intern, Oliver. Since starting his internship at AMRoC in May, he has gamely jumped into the unique working environment at the Fab Lab, and picked up a variety of skills along the way. Here’s Oliver’s story!
What is your role at AMRoC, Oliver, and what do you do in that role?
“Thank you for having me! I am a media and marketing intern working for AMRoC through their Melon Internship Program. My day to day here generally consists of a variety of activities, such as flyer design, drafting social media posts, and networking with media outlets. I also just help around as any other volunteer would, such as with our summer camps.”
How did you find or find out about AMRoC? Or what drew you to it?
“I first found out about AMRoC through the Melon Humanities Internship Program . Essentially, it is a program that allows employers and non-profits to partner with University of South Florida College of Arts & Sciences to provide humanities students with internship opportunities in the area. Although my current major is English, I had originally planned to pursue some sort of engineering in high school and was a part of my school’s engineering academy. When I first visited AMRoC, the space reminded me of the classroom and workshop from my high school. It felt familiar in a sense, and hearing about their mission only reinforced my inclination.”
Oliver interviewing AMRoC IT & 3D Printing Specialist, Clinton Millsap
What do you like best about what you do at the Fab Lab?
“I like being able to implement my skills as a writer in a way that not only feels productive but also comes back to serve my community. AMRoC is an organization that seeks to foster and serve the Tampa Bay community by providing a low-pressure, familiar, yet productive third space for those in the area. That’s something that I felt was largely lacking.
Being here at AMRoC, I can see how my contributions have advanced this campaign for community.”
What do you like about the Fab Lab generally?
“I like how the Fab Lab is designed to foster a safe space for people of all ages, from different backgrounds and communities within the Tampa Bay area to come together with a common interest and goal. It creates a space in which all people are seen as equals who can contribute to a shared passion of creation. Whether that be through robotics, technology, or art, there’s something for everyone here.”
Do you have a favorite story or experience at AMRoC you’d like to share?
“One of my favorite experiences at AMRoC thus far has been getting to see some of our robotics teams at work. The amount of passion and care with which these students approach their projects is truly inspiring and admittedly quite unexpected of students their age. Experiencing the middle and high school FIRST Tech Challenge team, Team Duct Tape, at work was especially thought-provoking, as they are a largely student-led team. Almost every element of the team is managed by students, for the students, with their student peers. Spaces like these for students are rare and invaluable.”
Why might others want to consider volunteering or just coming out to AMRoC?
“AMRoC is a truly one-of-a-kind space that I can only wish I knew about earlier. If not for the sense of community, you should attend just for the number of applicable skills that you’ll learn as both an attendee and a volunteer. I, for one, can say that my time here has been more that worth the while, and I hope to continue working with AMRoC in the year to come, honing my skills throughout.”
At AMRoC, we are continuously seeking to expand our team. We know firsthand that an organization who tackles such a variety of skill-building experiences can only be backed by a team with a diverse skill set. Everyone has something that they can bring to the table, whether as a volunteer, sponsor, or a member of the community in one of our many programs or events.
We are proud to host one of the most welcoming, supportive communities of learners, innovators, and artists in the Tampa Bay area, and would love to have you join us!
Reach out on our website or socials for more details in regards to events and volunteering. Hope to see you there!
And look for more AMRoC Team Spotlights soon!