WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The dreams of many 9-year-olds transform them into adult superstars. What kid hasn’t dreamed of making the pivotal play to win the big game, belting out a tune to adoring fans or basking under the bright lights of Hollywood?
Trevin Allen.
No disrespect to athletes, rock stars and actors, but the fourth-grader’s dream — described for a class assignment – actually matches reality’s need: a need addressed by Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Trevin’s aspirations connect applied technology education to rewarding careers in the skilled workforce, which is grappling with a shortage of qualified professionals. His words are timely and impactful beyond his classroom at Bloomsburg Memorial Elementary School.
“It’s interesting to see a person his age articulate what his aspirations are in the future and the need to get an education and that those education pieces are critical to work in whichever career he chooses,” said Shannon M. Munro, vice president for workforce development at Penn College.
“My dream is to work in the design lab of SEKISUI SPI like my father,” Trevin wrote. “I want to learn how to design Kydex thermoplastics.”
Headquartered in Bloomsburg, SEKISUI SPI is a worldwide leader in thermoplastics and a major supporter of Penn College. Trevin’s father, Lucas, is a technical service specialist for SEKISUI SPI, focusing on physical property testing.
Lucas graduated from Penn College in 2001 with a building construction technology degree. Following several years as a contractor, he transitioned to the plastics field by accepting an inspector/packer position at SEKISUI SPI in 2012. Attending workshops offered by the college’s Plastics Innovation & Resource Center (PIRC) helped Lucas advance to his current position. That dedication to continuous education has resonated with his son.
“My dream is to go to college and earn a degree to learn how to work on a computer. I will have to work hard and stay focused,” Trevin wrote.
“I was touched by what he wrote,” said Munro, who heard of Trevin’s dream when Ronn Cort, SEKISUI SPI’s president and COO, shared the story with her. “I thought it would be good to invite Trevin to campus to show him what he put to paper.”