My name is Nick Beardsley, and I am a senior at Maine-Endwell High School. This year I have been a part of a career development program called New Visions. Through New Visions, I am in the business academy. One of the main perks of being in the business academy is the placements we get to go on. For the past month, I have been on placement at The Agency, learning about what they do for our community and getting a glimpse of the day to day operations. I have learned so much about the positive impact The Agency has on our community through its Workforce Development program, Broome is Good, and all the projects they have worked on. Two big projects they have recently worked on were the Ansco Camera Factory building and 50 Front Street. Both are now residential living buildings that have created beautiful living spaces in past eyesore locations. I have also learned a lot about myself from my career preferences to my strengths and weaknesses. The Agency has such a positive atmosphere among its workers and office. Not a day went by where I did not feel welcome or apart of the team at The Agency. They brought me into meetings with local community members, and I was able to attend the Broome County Economic Forecast Event. Overall, being at The Agency for the past month has been an informative and enjoyable experience. I have learned so much about Broome County and myself. I know I will take this experience with me into college and a career someday! I would like to thank everyone at The Agency for taking the time out of their days to allow me such a fantastic experience!

-Nick Beardsley