Opportunity Within the Millbrook Alumni Network
Many Millbrook students and alumni have found new opportunities to further explore their passions through the Millbrook network. This summer has proven to be one of the most exciting yet, with Millbrook connections fostering many experiential learning opportunities in a wide range of industries and locations.
Sylvia Tan ‘15 is one such alumna who has gained experience “in the field” through her Millbrook connections. She has been interning with alumnus and former faculty member Jono Pandolfi ’95 at his business, Jono Pandolfi USA.
“I first learned about Jono at a gallery showing during my time as a student at Millbrook. When I returned to Millbrook earlier this year, I began speaking with Dr. Tousignat and Mr. Hardy, who recommended that I connect with Jono to learn more about what his does,” said Sylvia.
Connecting with Jono turned into an internship opportunity for Sylvia, who has been working in Jono’s ceramics studio since June.
Her day-to-day responsibilities have truly been hands-on, and have included preparing clay, finishing rims, forming, stacking kilns, and assisting with order shipments.
“Understanding how a company functions has been invaluable. I have had the opportunity to observe all of the processes that are behind Jono’s successful company, while at the same time improving my ceramics skills,” she says.
Sylvia, who is working towards her degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in art at Washington University in St. Louis, says that Millbrook made this experience possible:
“All of my knowledge about ceramics came from my time at Millbrook where I discovered my passion for it, and that is what led me to Jono. I learned not to be afraid of failure at Millbrook, and to try new things, and I think this also influenced my path to this experience. Since art is not my major, it would have been a lot harder for me to find an internship related to art had I not had access to the Millbrook alumni network. I am passionate about art, and very grateful for this experience. Jono has turned his passion for art into a business, and I have learned so much from him.”
This is one of many examples of the power and promise of the Millbrook alumni network, and we are excited to continue to follow Jono and Sylvia’s future success.
