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Sears think[box]: Meet Antonio Lash '18

You can imagine the excitement that runs through a young student’s mind when they step into a 7-floor, 50,000 square foot creative workshop. The sounds of a drill press driving into metal, a saw cutting through wood, or a 3D printer producing whatever your heart and imagination desires can be intimidating for some, but not for senior Antonio Lash.

Antonio is in his second year at the Sears think[box] located on the campus of Case Western Reserve University, and he loves being there. He has fit in perfectly with the mission of the think[box]; assisting students in becoming tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and technology leaders through innovation, promoting economic and social advancement in the region.

Antonio has let his creative mind run wild, while learning how to use the many tools at his disposal throughout the facility. In fact, he has become so skilled on the equipment and reliable with any task, that his think[box] supervisors have full faith in giving Antonio a project with the knowledge that it will be completed successfully with little or no supervision. "Antonio is a great young man, always willing to do anything. He is very skilled on the machinery. Antonio is part of the team," says Marcus Brathwaite, think[box] Fabrication Manager.

Antonio has found time outside of his many roles to craft, create and ultimately build on his own. He has built shelves for his family, and is currently designing and producing a ring toss game. Proudly, Antonio smiles when he discusses his most beloved creation, a chess set produced on the 3D printer at think[box] for his grandfather. “It was by far the most challenging project I have had since I have been here, that’s probably why it is my favorite.” said Lash ’18. “He was crying from joy when he got it.”

We are honored to partner with over 130 Cleveland area businesses and partners, and the Sears think[box] at Case Western Reserve University is one that we are so proud provides meaningful opportunities for our students like Antonio. You can learn more about how to get engaged with our unique Corporate Work Study Program here.