Do Something Big!

Meet Mike

Mike started off as a camper and is now an iD instructor who is studying music and computer science in college!

iD: What’s your hometown and state?
Mike: West Chester, PA

iD: How many years at iD (attending and working)?
M: Attended for 3 years at Villanova in 2001, 2002, and 2003 and instructed at Villanova and Sacred Heart University in 2008.

iD: What did you teach/what was your position?
M: I was assigned to teach 3D Game Design I and Game Modding I. When one of our instructors broke both his elbows, I learned his courses in 48 hours and started out Monday morning teaching 3D Game Design II and Game Modding II and taught them for the remainder of the week.

iD: What are your favorite things about our summer camp?
M: The people are a ton of fun and are all interested in learning, whether in the classroom, outside or just through conversation.

iD: How has iD inspired you?
M: iD has taught me to think bigger. After attending and working for iD Tech I was convinced I wanted to work with computers when I was older. It also taught me that I don’t have to restrict myself to one thing. I love technology, but I also love music. I’ve decided to combine those skills in my continuing studies.

iD: Do you plan to attend college or have you attended or graduated? If so, where/when?
M: I’m currently a Sophomore at Northeastern University majoring in Music Industry and minoring in Computer Science.

iD: Is iD a good place to make friends?
M: iD is absolutely a great place to make friends. I still talk to a few of the kids I went to camp with years ago, not to mention the staff I worked with this summer.

iD: What’s your favorite tech gadget?
M: My MacBook Pro or iPod Touch; they get me through the day and keep me organized.

iD: How has iD helped you improve in other aspects of your life besides technology?
M: iD taught me a lot about being myself. When I was younger, I was a traditional geek, but iD broke the stereotypes and made me realize that you should be who you are – regardless of stereotypes. Aspire to better yourself at all times.

iD: What do you do for fun when you aren’t at our computer camp?
M: I play music and sing. I also book bands for shows at my university including everything from coffee shop shows to major acts including Ben Folds, and many others. I also enjoy snowboarding and doing outdoor activities.

iD: What’s the #1 way you communicate with your friends?
M: Most likely with my cell phone or Facebook.

iD: What is your current position (if applicable)?
M: Northeastern University Peer Advising Liaison & Northeastern University Tour Guide.

iD: What do you like best about your current job?
M: I get to help new students at the school and give tours to potential students, showing them the campus I love.

iD: How did iD Tech Camps prepare you for your current position?
M: Attending iD Tech gave me the idea to major in Music Industry, combining music with technology and business. Working for iD gave me experience to talk to kids and teach. This teaching is something I now do quite often to help underclassmen register for classes, etc.

iD: Do you plan to work for iD again in the future?
M: I’d love to work for iD Tech again in the future!

iD: Any tips for incoming campers or staff?
M: Campers: Be open to your fellow campers and your staff. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they’re doing with their professional lives. Make friends at camp! These may be friends for the summer or for the rest of your life but no matter what you’ll make a difference in each others’ lives.

Staff: I had a student ask me about my college major one time. During free time, I taught him how to edit music, mostly reversing it because he was into the whole listening to music backwards for secret messages thing. His mother later told me how interested he’d become in the subject and how he was looking to enhance what I had taught him into more in the future.

Don’t be afraid to talk to the kids; they’re very bright, which can be kind of scary at times. I’ll be honest though, I think I learned as much from these kids this summer as I taught them! They really look up to you so be a good example, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! It’s a REQUIREMENT!

Anything else you’d like to add?
M: Working for iD Tech was absolutely amazing. We handled a lot of difficult things this summer but I’m very proud to say that due to iD Tech, it was not only the best job ever, but the absolute best summer of my life!

Check out some of the cool courses Mike mentioned. Register early and do something big with iD this summer!