Jessica, a rookie member of 341 recounts her experiences during fall training and looks towards her first season as a daisy.
“In the beginning of the year, I was a freshman ‘rookie’ joining a team that has been wildly successful for over a decade. I did not know the difference between a nut and a bolt, let alone how to work the daunting machinery in the shop. Though I knew many of the other rookies, I barely knew any of the veteran students or mentors on the team. Thanks to the fall training opportunities, I was able to learn the skills needed for the upcoming build season and meet my new teammates.
“The best way for our team to bond before build season was 341 Night, a celebration on the symbolic 341st day of the year. At this event, rookies and veterans were brought together in groups to solve various challenges, such as building a bridge with only newspaper and tape. Wissahickon High School PE teachers Fred Lomady and Bill Dorner did a great job getting us all to work together. Through these activities, everyone on the team was able to get to know new people, as well as reinforce team-building skills that will be crucial to our success during build season. Personally, I thought that it was a great way to conclude 2013 and, as a team, prepare for the challenges ahead of us.”
