By Samantha Lor | Tue, January 19, 21
My name is Sammi Lor. I am 22 years old and I graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in May of 2020 with a degree in Environmental Engineering and a minor in Sustainability. When I became an intern at NEEP in May of 2019, I had no idea I would continue working there for a year and a half, through classes, travelling abroad, university commitments, and all else. But looking back I’m not surprised.
From the very first day in the NEEP office, everyone welcomed me as a member of the team and made me feel like I could make valuable contributions through my work on specific projects. I jumped right into work with the Buildings Team, doing anything from writing research reports to stakeholder outreach. Throughout my year and a half, I had the pleasure of working with almost every team and with everyone at NEEP in some capacity. The work – meaningful as it was – was only a small part of what made my experience so special.
Everyone I met, from interns to senior management, inspired me to grow, both as a person and a professional. Not only was I learning so much about the energy efficiency industry, I was networking with professionals that I look forward to collaborating with in the future. Whether I was commuting into the office or working fully remote due to COVID-19, I could always count on a few things for certain: Jen and Jess giving everyone a good laugh, Sue Coakley’s bits of wisdom on all topics, Carolyn’s contagious smile, and so much more.
Connections aside, I have learned so many skills during my time at NEEP: organizing, analyzing, communicating professionally and effectively with stakeholders, researching, working as a team, and valuing differences. These are essential skills which I will value throughout my working career. NEEP’s dedication to energy efficient communities, policy, buildings, appliances, and collaborative pathways is unparalleled. I can confidently say that NEEP’s employees truly care about their work and have found a space that allows so many focused and motivated people to work towards the same goal, even when forced to work from home for so many months. Although it has been great, my time with NEEP has come to a close.
In January of 2021, I will be participating in a volunteer work exchange program at an eco-lodge in El Castillo, Costa Rica. My goal is to learn as much as I can about their sustainable practices and apply that to my future endeavors. After completion of this program, I will be looking for a full-time career which incorporates some or all of my passions for engineering project work, global development, environmental science, and travel. I know wherever my career takes me next, NEEP has my back and I have theirs, putting them in contact with professionals I meet along the way. Their dedication to their fellow employees is something I will never forget. Thank you NEEP!