The Sundial

Two questions: Is there anything more fleeting than summer in New England? And if summer lasted twice as long, would we love it only half as much?

Judging by the remaining sunscreen in my tube, there really should be enough summery days left for at least three trips to the beach, two outdoor concerts, a couple of bike rides and a neighborhood barbecue.  

Unfortunately, every calendar I consult seems to conflict with my inner sundial.  Push really came to shove the other day when I heard someone say that Spaulding’s summer interns were wrapping up.  “Wrapping up? How could they possibly be wrapping up?” I asked, gesturing anxiously with my still-pudgy tube of sunscreen, “Aren’t they just getting started?”

That’s the thing about summer interns. They’re a bit like summer romances - sweet, refreshing, filled with promise, and completely over before you know it.

Moments before this delightful crop of young people disappeared forever into the vortex known as “back-to-school,” I spoke with three of them about their experiences at Spaulding and their plans for the future…

Matthew Robinson, 17, is a Charlestown resident and a senior at East Boston High.

How did you first hear about the MGH Center for Community Health Improvement’s Summer Jobs for Youth at Spaulding Hospital?

The Youth Prevention Director at the Charlestown Substance Abuse Coalition sought me out knowing I needed a summer job. She thought it would be a good opportunity for me.

Please describe your summer job at Spaulding.

I worked with the Engineering Team, which maintains Spaulding’s Boston facility. I was involved with many hands on projects - moving pipes, drilling, fixing cabinets.

Before your internship at Spaulding, had you ever considered a career in health care? Do you have family or friends who work in the health care field?

No, none of my friends or family members work in health care. The internship gave me a new perspective on the opportunities and the variety of jobs that are offered within a healthcare facility. I would definitely consider working in this field when I finish school.

What was the best part of the job?

I knew I didn’t want to spend my summer behind a desk, and this job was all hands on!  I really enjoyed learning about electricity and plumbing. Also, I was able to work outdoors and contribute to projects that helped to improve the care we provide to our patients, families, and employees.  Sometimes this work goes unnoticed, but it’s important because it allows the hospital to operate efficiently. 

What was the worst part of the job?  

 Getting dirty every day! The engineering guys really taught me about hard work.

Would you like to work for Spaulding again?

Yes – our team’s camaraderie really made the day fly by.  I established a lot of close friendships, met great leaders, and was encouraged to learn and try new projects.

What advice would you give to teens who are considering applying for this program next summer?

Know that the Spaulding internships are flexible; options can be tailored to meet your interests, whether you want to work with doctors or behind the scenes in engineering or maintenance.

Pedro Antonio Pourit, 18, is a Charlestown resident and a senior at John D. O’Brien High School.

How did you first hear about the MGH Center for Community Health Improvement’s Summer Jobs for Youth at Spaulding Hospital?

I heard about it through the Boys and Girls Club, who connected me with the Charlestown Substance Abuse Coalition. They offered me this opportunity through the MGH program.

Please describe your summer job at Spaulding.

I worked Monday to Friday in the Maintenance Department, fixing lights, cabinets, and piping.

Before your internship at Spaulding, had you ever considered a career in health care?

No, I had never considered it, but the internship has changed my view of the industry and has exposed me to options and opportunities I didn’t know existed.I will be going on a Charlestown building tour next week, which I am very excited about! I’m looking forward to sharing what I have learned with my friends and family members.

What was the best part of the job?

It was an excellent learning opportunity, and it allowed me to meet great people - like nurses and doctors - who work to help others every day.  Knowing that my job was somehow enabling patients to recover at Spaulding gave me a sense of accomplishment.  It was also nice that it was a paid internship.

What was the worst part of the job?

Cleaning up the carpentry shop, and moving septic pipes!

Would you like to work for Spaulding again?

Yes, I really enjoyed the job and the people I worked with.

What do you think about the new Spaulding hospital that is being built at the Charlestown Navy Yard?

What a great location.  It will be a beautiful building for patients, families, and staff.  The new building will definitely benefit the Charlestown community.

What advice would you give to kids who are considering applying for this program next summer?

Take the job.  It is a good opportunity to learn your likes and dislikes. You will meet a terrific group of people within a great organization. I would like to thank the Engineering Department and Spaulding for this opportunity.  The health care industry offers a hands on career that isn’t behind a desk all day, but still plays a vital role.

Originally from Stoneham, Devin Plummer, 22, is a senior at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Business.

Please describe your summer job at Spaulding.

I worked directly with the Safety Coordinator on an “Environment of Care Standardization Project.” I analyzed management plans across six Spaulding facilities with the goal of developing a single, unified standard.

Before your internship at Spaulding, had you ever considered a career in health care?

Actually, I worked last summer at Spaulding Cambridge within the Finance Department.  My role there was to coordinate pre-registrations, check insurance policies, and help with benefits.

What have you learned about Spaulding that you didn’t know before?  

I was impressed by the size of the network and how in-depth the work is.  There are many behind-the-scenes jobs and operational jobs; every employee plays a role in ensuring our patients receive the best care possible.

What was the best part of the job?

Meeting new people, great work experience, and flexible hours.

What was the worst part of the job?

The commute, but it was manageable.

Would you like to work for Spaulding again?  

 I plan on it! If positions are available, I plan on applying and becoming an important part of the Spaulding community.

What advice would you give to college students who are considering applying for internships next summer?

Go for it. Applying never hurts.  Spaulding will set a standard on your resume for future internships or jobs. If anything, an internship is a learning experience that will help you grow as a student, as an employee, and a young professional.

Ahhh, summer. Ahhh, summer interns. Why can’t you both linger with us just a little while longer?

Special thanks to my colleagues at MGH for sponsoring several internships this summer at Spaulding.  Based on the program's success, we’re already planning to collaborate on a similar initiative next year!

Lastly, a note to self:  Invent a new kind of super duper sunscreen that has the power to extend summer weather, summer interns, and of course, summer romances! But in the meantime…Go to clamshack. Go directly to clamshack. Do not pass Go.  Do not collect 200 interns. Tempting though it may be, do not collect 200 summer interns.