Serving as an intern with Fairhope Public Utilities through the Baldwin County Utilities Internship Program, Isabell spent the summer working alongside the team at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. What started as an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone quickly became one of the most rewarding experiences she has ever had.

Throughout the summer, Isabell gained hands-on experience running the dewatering press, performing laboratory testing, assisting with maintenance, and learning how the wastewater treatment process works from start to finish.

One thing that surprised her most was not the equipment or technology. It was the people.

She says one of the biggest highlights of her internship has been learning from the experienced team at the plant, especially Mike, who has become an invaluable mentor.

“He has been the most patient, caring, and one of the greatest mentors I’ve ever had,” she said. “He always finds a way to help me understand.”

Working in wastewater also changed her perspective on what happens inside the treatment plant.

Although she had no previous job experience, Isabell embraced every opportunity to learn, ask questions, and take on new responsibilities. What started as a chance to try something new has become a career she hopes to continue.

“This internship has definitely changed my future,” she said. “I would love to continue working at the plant if they’ll have me.”

Programs like the Baldwin County Utilities Internship give students valuable hands-on experience while introducing them to rewarding careers in utilities. For Fairhope Public Utilities, it is an opportunity to invest in the future while helping young people discover careers they may have never considered.