The Garage: A Stepping Stone to Professional Success

As a student aide for the 2024 Jumpstart Pre-Accelerator program, I was grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in the impactful community of The Garage this summer. The Garage not only provides a home for like-minded individuals outside of the classroom, but also fosters a powerful, collaborative environment where students and staff thrive together. I have learned that, at The Garage, students don’t just learn; they inspire ideas, inspire one another, and cultivate a supportive network that embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.

During my time here, I have experienced firsthand how startup teams create, craft, and continuously collaborate in their entrepreneurial journeys! By engaging with staff, students, speakers and visitors at The Garage, I have gained knowledge and strengthened my communication skills by learning from their innovation-driven minds and passion for hard work and ingenuity. These experiences have allowed me to learn from various professionals in the startup space.

Building on these experiences, I have mastered the art of the press release, sharpened my community management skills, and spent valuable time taking photos and writing copy for The Garage's social media profiles.

One of my most cherished lessons I have learned this summer is the importance of fostering and building relationships. Throughout my experience here and getting to know the student founders as I interviewed each startup team, I learned first hand how much The Garage provides a space where students can learn from one another and staff, and confidently bring their startup ideas to life.  

I have learned that great writing resonates with an audience, and my passion for written communication played a significant role in my time at The Garage. Sharing students' stories and aspirations for their startups, whether through written content or speaking with the community, helped me connect genuinely with The Garage family and learn more about the values of resilience and collaboration that fuel their entrepreneurship. This experience not only honed my skills in journalism and mass communication but also contributed significantly to my personal development. Notably, interviewing and writing articles strengthened my ability to listen and convey complex messages effectively, enhancing my storytelling and communication skills.

The Garage has given me a profound sense of community and a home away from home, teaching me invaluable lessons that transcend my personal development as a student. It has provided me with a solid foundation in collaborating with others, and has profoundly impacted my perspective on teamwork and community within the workplace. Through my experiences with both students and staff, I have learned what it truly means to be part of an uplifting team, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose that I will carry forward in my personal and professional endeavors.