Denver Service Center Interns Gain Valuable Experience

Chris Close, DSC Transportation Branch Chief; Stephen Colar, Jr., Architecture Student Intern; Ray Todd, DSC Director; and Marshall Green, Jr., Engineering Student Intern, visit an active construction site at Meridian Hill Park in Rock Creek Park.

This summer, the Denver Service Center (DSC) partnered with the Historic Preservation Training Center, the Greening Youth Foundation, and the Traditional Trades Apprenticeship Program to bring on two students duty-stationed in the Washington D.C. area to work on DSC projects. We asked Marshall Green, Jr., Prairie View A&M University, and Stephen Colar, Jr., Tuskegee University, to share some of their insights gleaned from their internship experience.

1. How did you hear about the internship with the Denver Service Center?

• Marshall: The Greening Youth Foundation has worked collaboratively with National Park Service (NPS) to equip students with the tools they need for academic, personal, and social achievement. Once I learned about Greening Youth’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Internship (HBCUI) Program, I applied immediately. They have helped me and countless other HBCU students achieve internships and careers within the Federal Government.

• Stephen: An older peer in my undergraduate cohort recommended this internship to me. They spoke highly of the program and the knowledge I could gain. When they suggested that I apply, I was excited about the opportunity.

2. What has been the highlight of your experience so far?

• Marshall: Truth be told, every experience I have had with DSC has been memorable and great. It’s very hard to choose just one highlight, but my trip inside the Arlington Memorial Bridge was one for the books.
• Stephen: This experience so far has been very insightful as a guide for my future career. The most insightful experience thus far has been the construction at Meridian Hill Park. Getting a chance to witness the technique of the exposed aggregate pour was a true highlight. The construction contractor was able to precisely mimic the existing aggregate, even though the original pour happened over 60 years ago! Although this was a small part of the renovation, they were able to preserve the history of the park just by the pour alone.

3. What projects did you get to be involved in?

• Marshall: I was involved with the following projects:
  • Resurfacing and restoration of Independence Ave and Tidal Basin roads
  • Restriping of George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP)
  • Rehabilitation of Pennsylvania Avenue, Madison Place, and Jackson Place (all White House bearing roads)
  • Kennedy Center Pedestrian /Bicycle Trail Access and Safety Improvement, and Rehabilitation of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway
  • Repaving of Greenbelt National Park and installation of a new bridge
  • Mitigation for impacts to GWMP for the Potomac Yard Metro Station project
• Stephen: Project involvement gave me a productive space to improve my time and task management responsibilities in a practical manner. Through these experiences, I was able to strengthen my abilities of setting priorities, making decisions, and hitting deadlines. My project involvement includes the following: 
  • Meridian Hill Park Phase 5 & 6
  • Bryce Park
  • Rabaut Park
  • Marcone Park
  • Francis Asbury Park
  • Major General George B. McClellan Monument 

4. What knowledge/skill/ability will you take with you as you move forward in your career?

• Marshall: There are many lessons, skills, and knowledge that I will take from this internship and apply it to my career. Patience, detailed documentation, public speaking, attention to details, asking the questions no one thinks of, etc. These are some of the few lessons and skills I have taken from this internship and will carry with me throughout my entire life.
• Stephen: This internship opportunity made me even more confident in my skills and interest. Through constant mentoring, project involvement, and fellowship, I am very thankful for this opportunity. This experience has taught me to be a productive member of any team. As a result of this experience, I’m more excited than ever to pursue a career in architecture and construction management and feel well-equipped to take on lead construction manager.
• These valuable skill sets I have gained and strengthen include:
  • Documentation
  • Preparing Site Plans, specifications, and weather analyst 
  • Preparing graphic representation
  • Enhancing communication skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration