Inside the cavernous Erie Insurance Arena, just blocks from Erie’s waterfront, Christian dug right in, powering up computers, flipping switches and pushing buttons on a large console. Soon the 218,000-square-foot arena came to life with the swoosh of skates cutting effortlessly through the ice amid the cacophony of thousands of diehard fans, and the authoritative boom of the announcer calling the game.
Christian got the rare opportunity to marry his two loves – media production and hockey – as a media production intern for the Erie Otters, which is part of the Ontario Hockey League. “I don’t consider this work, “Christian explained in an interview on the eve of his final weekend on the job. “I consider it a passion for something I love to do. When I go there (the arena), it doesn’t feel like work.”
He recently completed 90 hours of employment in the Work-Based Learning Experience program run by Goodwill’s Erie staff, under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Job coach Andre Lyons joined Christian on the journey, shadowing Christian as he learned the ropes of producing a live professional sporting event under the Otter’s game day operations guru, Andrew Schacht.
A standout high school cross-country runner, Christian is accustomed to working hard, training hard to reach a goal. Last summer, Christian set the stage by earning his USA and Hockey Official Level 1 certification, which has allowed him to officiate games. He also fine-tuned his video and audio production skills through job shadowing opportunities at MenajErie Studio and CATV-Erie, both arranged by Goodwill’s Erie office.
In a fitting conclusion to a successful work experience, the Otters came from behind to win the Sunday night game that marked Christian’s final day of employment with the team. He now has his sights on a camera operator position that has been posted. With his eye on the finish line, much like a cross-country race, Christian is focused on making his future happen.
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