Ben focused on improving organization within his workplace in order to increase productivity and efficiency. The student began by designing an organizational system that made it easier for coworkers to find tools and supplies in a timely manner. He then gathered support and feedback from his coworkers and employer before putting his plan into action by utilizing his cabinetmaking skills and contacts to install his model for an efficient workstation.

In Critical Thinking class, students are asked to solve a problem that affects their community. When looking back on his experience with civic engagement in his Critical Thinking class, Ben said “I think this project should be assigned in the future because it’s a good way to put critical thinking into real world practice, and engage with others in a logical manner.” The project succeeded in its goal of improving the productivity and efficiency of the workplace by making tools and supplies easy to find, while showcasing Ben’s ability to initiate positive change and improvement. Ben emphasized this sentiment by stating that, “As a whole I tend to look at this experience as a positive one, because it did create some improvement…and proves that I can be instrumental in facilitating some positive change.”