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The Power of Opportunity: Mackenzie’s Summer of Growth

The school year may end in late May, but the skills and experiences our students gain through Corporate Work Study continue into the summer. This summer, Mackenzie ’28 took her CWS experience a step further by joining Cavitch Familo & Durkin Co., L.P.A. as an employee, putting the skills she developed throughout the school year into practice in a professional setting. During the school year, Mackenzie is a Student Associate at the firm, where she has gained valuable experience that prepared her to take on this new opportunity.

Kristie Davis has been a CWS supervisor for eight years and serves as an Administrative Assistant at Cavitch, where she has witnessed Mackenzie ’28’s growth firsthand. “Mackenzie has surprised us all,” Kristie shared. Her experience working with Mackenzie has reinforced something she has learned throughout her years as a CWS supervisor: never underestimate the potential of a teenager when they are given the opportunity, support, and trust to succeed.

Throughout her time at Cavitch, Mackenzie has taken on responsibilities that help keep the office running smoothly. She manages inventory, has learned office systems, and assists with the day-to-day needs of the office, strengthening her attention to detail along the way. Through these responsibilities, she has learned that being a valuable member of a team often starts with being reliable, attentive, and willing to step in where needed. This summer, Mackenzie has shown immense growth in taking on greater responsibility, developing strong time-management skills, and becoming more confident in her ability to contribute in a professional setting.

Kristie believes that working over the summer has given Mackenzie the opportunity to grow in ways that will directly benefit her in the upcoming school year. As Mackenzie returns to Cavitch as a Student Associate in September, she will bring with her the confidence that she developed as a summer employee. “Mackenzie has shown a lot of maturity this summer,” Kristie shared. From taking on greater responsibility to strengthening her time-management and communication skills, Mackenzie’s summer experience has helped prepare her to take on new challenges and continue growing as a Student Associate.

Mackenzie’s experience at Cavitch demonstrates the lasting impact that can come from truly investing in a student. By investing in her growth and development, Cavitch has helped Mackenzie see herself differently, as a capable young professional with something meaningful to contribute. Cavitch has helped Mackenzie strengthen skills that will extend far beyond her time as a Student Associate. Opportunities like these not only prepare students for the workforce, but also help them recognize their own potential and envision what is possible for their future. That is the opportunity at the heart of Corporate Work Study, students don't just learn about the professional world. They begin to see themselves as part of it.