Featured CLE: Internship at the University of Northwestern Ohio
Video Produced by Mandy
Posted: 8/8/2007

Bath High School in Lima, Ohio, has a strong school, higher education, and business partnership through which CLEs are coordinated and supported. Such opportunities enabled one Ford PAS student to apply for and obtain a business and marketing internship at the University of Northwestern Ohio during her junior year. Check out the video that Mandy produced depicting her internship experience by clicking a link below.

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Benefits of the Ford PAS Program: My Summer Internship Experience
By Kurtis, Frank Cody High School (3/1/2007)
Detroit, Michigan
PowerPoint Presentation

My Growth Within Ford PAS: My Internship Experience as a Purchasing Analyst
By Paris, Frank Cody High School (3/1/2007)
Detroit, Michigan
PowerPoint Presentation

The Unpredictable Future
By Alex, Amanda, Cody, Darryl, Jessica, and Tarina
Posted: 12/6/2006

“When I was a kid, color TV was a new thing and I was the remote,” says Dawn Striker.

“I thought the future would be Star Trek,” says Charles Dershimer.

Authors of this article: Cody, Tarina, Alex, Darryl, Amanda and Jessica pictured with Shawne Duperon.

Cell phones with cameras, satellite radio, cars with navigational systems, DVD players, and computers that can go anywhere, all of these technologies that are taken for granted by their users have a very important role in the modern world. But, how did people function between the 1950’s and 1970’s? Did they ever think science and technology could advance so much over a short period of time? Or, did they ever think they would have the career they have now? Everything is evolving and changing, including people’s views of the future from their childhood to adulthood.

For the purpose of this article, we interviewed approximately 15 people who have backgrounds in science and engineering. We asked them how their views of the future have changed throughout the years. We also took time to ask them if it had always been their dream to enter a career in science. With help from Shawne Duperon, a television producer from Michigan who gave us great interviewing tips, we were able to get amazing feedback from our respondents.

When our interviewees were children, they did not have half the technologies we possess today. One of our interviewees, Dawn Striker, a high school physics and calculus teacher at Smith Academy in Massachusetts, was a child when color TV was just being introduced. She said, “When I was a kid, color TV was a new thing and I was the remote.” Kate Soderstrom, a Ford PAS coordinator at West Bloomfield High School in Michigan, had a different view of the future as a child. She explained, “I thought the world would go on forever.” Then, she realized that humanity will eventually run out of natural resources at some point. Charles Dershimer, a teacher at the Henry Ford Academy in Michigan had a very far-fetched view of the future as a child. He declared, “I thought the future would be Star Trek.” Karen Powell, a science teacher at Romulus Community High School in Michigan said, “When I was a child, I didn’t think much [of the future].” Well, we must say that they had some very interesting views of the future as kids just like we did… and, still do.

One thing that everyone agreed on is that their view of the future now is different and more realistic. We all know that technology is growing rapidly and no one can really predict what is going to happen due to this rapid growth. However, some interviewees talked about how there would be more innovation and technology. Some said they had great expectations like finding the cure for AIDS. Many said they want to see more women in engineering, or frankly, just more engineers. Phyllis Lucy-Manuel from Therrell High School told us, “I want to see free education and the breaking down of gender barriers.” Sharon Campsey, a chemistry teacher from Taconic High School in Massachusetts wants to see more curricula like Ford PAS and better technology in all schools. Other respondents also noted the lack of technology in hundreds of schools across the nation.

The future is dependent on workers who are passionate about their careers, and this passion will be the key element in creating a brighter future. Everyone has bright ideas for the future and eventually these ideas will take shape and create opportunities that have never been offered before. Our interviewing sessions have opened our eyes to how much the future could change, whether it is for the good or the bad. The future is in the hands of youth across the world to make Earth a healthier place. It is exciting for us to know that we may come up with technologies that could exceed all others. We will be the ones saying: “Well, when I was ten, I never thought anything like that would ever happen…” The future is exhilarating and frightening at the same time, but as Dawn Striker says, “What the future will bring, I don’t know, but it will be fun.”

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Starting a Small Business
By Alan, Jamie, Johnitta, Pedro, and Wesley
 Posted: 11/2/2006

“Going into business for one’s self is very fulfilling," says Cheryl Carrier (pictured on left).

“You only get out of your business what you put into your business," says Shawne Duperon.

Authors of this article: Johnitta, Jamie, Pedro, Wesley, and Alan.

Starting a small business is certainly an adventure. It’s a risk. It is taking a jump off a cliff and hoping that one’s skills and luck are enough to make one successful. Research has shown that when starting a small business, people fail for a few reasons. Lack of knowledge is one key reason people fail. Also, businesses fail because of lack of funds. Many people do not have the large amount of money that is needed to get a business up and running. However, when a business survives, there are some very nice benefits. Self management is one of the most apparent reasons that people start a business. Financial independence and a better income are rewards for owning a successful business.

A small business starts with a dream and an idea. This dream or idea is the driving force behind starting their small business. As a team, we have interviewed three people. Each has told us firsthand why they started their business. They also shared what risks were involved and what the benefits have been of owning their business.

Julio Mariscal is an executive for Royal Bank. Mr. Mariscal said, “When starting a business the major risk is the responsibility that one takes with his or her family.” Many times in the first months of the new business, one has little or no profit. This can be very challenging for a family, especially when the person starting the business is the household’s main source of income. Mr. Mariscal also said, “Another reason for failure is lack of knowledge.” Many times people do not understand the risks involved with starting a business. This lack of knowledge and skills can be detrimental to a business.

A childhood dream is what drove Cheryl Carrier to start her own business. Carrier, the Ford PAS Director, told us of the motivation needed to start a business. She also explained the skills needed to maintain a business. She said, “Going into business for one’s self is very fulfilling.” Mrs. Carrier not only told of the benefits, but she shared with us what is needed to achieve success. The four skills that are needed are discipline in spending money, creativity, great marketing skills, and good mathematical skills.

The final entrepreneur that was interviewed was Shawne Duperon. Mrs. Duperon, chief executive officer of Shawne TV, also told us of skills needed by an entrepreneur. Duperon said, “A business owner must be someone who is highly motivated and who does not accept second best. You have to rely on yourself…You only get out of your business what you put into your business.”

  Each of these three people told us firsthand why they started their business and what risks were involved. They also shared the benefits of being self-employed. After weighing out the risk and benefits, it is up to the individual to decide whether starting their business is what they want to do. Asking themselves if they have the skills and are they willing to put their financial security on the line, are two questions that must be addressed before any action is put into place. Will they be the next success story?

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Is Communication Today Too Impersonal Because of Technology?
By Sandibel, Wilmary, and Vanessa
Posted: 9/25/2006

"Communicating is connection, dialogue, and helping each other," says Shawne Duperone pictured right.



People communicate in person, online, and by cell phone.



Authors of this article: Vanessa, Wilmary, and Sandibel.

Being able to communicate with others is very important. Communication gives people the chance to share information, give advice, ask questions, and learn new things. By communicating in person, people get to show their feelings and emotions.

“Communicating is connection, dialogue, and helping each other,” said television producer Shawne Duperon, who specializes in communications and media.

People today have lots of options for communication because of all the inventions for communication throughout the years. Cell phones and e-mail have taken the place of hand-written letters and in-person conversations.

Not everyone connects the same way when it comes to communication. Younger generations use more technology when they communicate. For example, people use cell phones, text messaging, and e-mail. Older generations, such as grandparents, who aren’t familiar with this new change may use more traditional ways to communicate. As people become more familiar with technology such as computers and cell phones, they might not want to use other methods like writing letters to communicate with family and friends.

Although technology has made communication convenient, it has its disadvantages. Some teenagers have become addicted to using technology for communication. Teenagers are sometimes addicted to cell phones as well.

Talking on the cell phone while driving can be dangerous because of distractions. Also people do not get the chance to interact with others because they are in front of a computer all day. In addition, people often don’t take time to communicate in person. Using technology may not be the most economical way to communicate, such as high or overage cellular phone charges.

There are also advantages to communicating with newer technologies. It is often faster to contact people by text messages and e-mails. And as far as online news, reporters can be more up-to-date. Also, you are able to connect with people world-wide and become aware of current events.

Although it has its positives and negatives, communication advancements are something that society needs. So it is up to the person to balance technology and personal communication. As technology continues to grow, which methods will you choose?

References

Shawn Duperon (in person interview)

Feature Article PowerPoint Presentation

Follow this link to view this article’s PowerPoint slideshow presented at the 4th Annual Ford PAS National Networking Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, June 21–23, 2006.

Related Readings

Communications

Want to improve your communication skills? Read “Forms of Communication” to consider how to best use the forms and channels of communication available. (Module 2: Media and Messages)

Technology

Do you know how the telephone has evolved over time? Telephone Tribute offers information, history, and interesting facts about the telephone. (Module 1: From Concept to Consumer )

 

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to support and deliver the Ford PAS program, providing curriculum development and technical assistance.