Describe your internship experience thus far.

• What was the most interesting moment? There have been several interesting moments but the one that sticks out the most is how big the company is on recycling and reusing.  One of the things that I was shown was some blue yarn.  I was like oh this is pretty. The Whiteville plant dyed the yarn this pretty light blue.  Well come to find out it was actually made from the blue plastic Pepsi bottles.  There is a company that shreds the blue plastic bottles for National Spinning and sends the cotton like material back to National Spinning to make into yarn.
• What was the biggest challenge? The biggest challenge was trying to narrow down and focus on one product.  During my internship, I have had the privilege of working seeing every aspect of the plant including the lab, the office staff, and the workers on the floor.  It took me a while to narrow my product idea down because there was so many directions I could have chosen.
• Describe what you saw and did: Did you see one aspect of a company or lab or did you visit different departments or sites? Did you work with a single mentor or multiple professionals? During my internship, I have had the pleasure of working with the new hires.  I talk with them on a daily basis to see how they are adjusting to the company.  I also ask them if they have any problems so I can report back to my mentor or the lead trainer so we could get their problem solved.  I have been exposed to the lab and quality control.  I have been able to sit in on morning meetings where the supervisors and the office staff is able to discuss production and the products being ran on the lines. I have been able to see some of the workers from their starting point of filling out an application to the HRD course certification that is required, to them actually working at National Spinning.  I have been working with Mega Force and James Sprunt Community College to answer any questions potential workers may have about National Spinning.
• What was it like working with your mentor(s)? How did they open your eyes to a new industry or research?  My main Mentor was Chris Jarman.  He allowed me to have a free range of the plant to explore it at my own pace.  He showed me around the plant, but I was able to visit all of the departments at my leisure.  I was oblivious of what this plant actually did and the impact is has on the area.  National Spinning decided to extend the operating hours for the company and with that expansion, new jobs became available.  This company is open to hiring new employees who have a desire to work and even some who don’t.  They have been willing to take a few losses here and there to ensure everyone is given a fair chance at a stable job.
• What is your biggest take away? My biggest take away is how beneficial it is to know why you are doing something.  Many times when I asked the workers why or who the yarn is for, they did not know.  They just knew they had to do a job.  I think it is important for them to know the outcome of what they are doing.  I tell my students the projected outcome and they seem to value their work better and take pride when they are complete.  I think the workers would take pride in what they create because without them, we would not have quality made clothing.