Corette takes ITD for a spin

On June 13, Beth Schiller and I introduced Megan Corette to the wonderful world of ITD.  Megan, from Coeur d’ Alene, will be entering her senior year of high school. She was visiting ITD as a participant in the Idaho Syringa Girls State Program.

The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State is a nonpartisan program that teaches young women responsible citizenship. Since the inception of the Girls State program in 1937, high school girls who have completed their junior year spend an intensive week of study, working together as self-governing citizens, and have the opportunity to learn first-hand how their state and local government works.

Our day began on the front steps of the Idaho Capitol Building. From there, we headed back to Headquarters for some fun photos in the Director’s Office as Megan took the Director's chair for a bit.  Thanks Brian!

Our next stop was a meet-and-greet with our environmental team, led by Wendy Terlizzi.  We had an awesome roundtable discussion in which I think Beth and I learned as much as Megan did.  We talked about archeology, all types of sciences and the cool ways that each intersects with the wild world of transportation.  This interaction truly highlighted that no matter your background or skill set, there is most likely a home for you here at ITD.

By now, the noon hour had approached and we were ready for lunch. We hosted her in room 212 and the DMV’s very own Jasmine Platt made all of our arrangements and provided the grub. What better way to introduce a young woman to ITD than to have some of our own amazing and successful female colleagues share their insights and experiences. The lunch group included: Mollie McCarty, Jasmine Platt, Beth Schiller, Monica Crider, Karen Hanna, Wendy Terlizzi and Jennifer Gonzalez.  Each person took turns sharing their story, path and advice.  In addition to being extremely impactful for Megan, each of us also got to learn more about one another.

Our final stop was meeting with our ITD Fleet Manager Steve Spoor to show off one of our brand new snowplows. This was an awesome way to end the day, as we tried our best to demonstrate the wide variety of work that is done here at the department. Megan absolutely loved her time with the plow, and I think they may have touched every button in the truck. But, things really amped up when we told her Steve was going to drop her off at the Capitol, with her riding shotgun in the plow. She was literally grinning ear-to-ear.  So, off they went down State Street and parked right in front of the big bell.

This was my fifth year coordinating the hosting of a Girls State participant, and it is truly a great opportunity to bring the real world and academics together.  Being part of educating our youth and maybe even inspiring some is a wonderful thing. So, kudos and a heartfelt thanks to all who helped make this a very impressionable and unforgettable day!

Published 06-28-19