An interview with our summer youth employee

This summer we had the privilege of having a student from a local high school join us as part of Ulster County’s summer youth employment program (SYEP). This program connects young people with different organizations and businesses for five weeks of paid employment.

Through the SYEP, Anthony joined us as a full time shop assistant. He swept saw dust and made quite a bit himself. He took hardware off, polished it, and put it back on again. He filled holes and drilled holes. He disassembled a couple of pieces of furniture and broke down many boxes. He did a lot of painting and rolling. Thanks to Anthony’s hard work and great support, we finished five or six pieces of furniture for our new showroom that we probably wouldn’t have otherwise.

As we near the end of his time with us, we sat down with Anthony to learn more about what the experience of working for F&F was like.

F&F: Why did you sign up for the SYEP and what did you hope to get out of it? 

A: I initially just joined because I wanted the opportunity to have a summer job but I also hoped that I’d be able to learn new skills.

F&F: What was the most surprising thing about working with Found and Fixed this summer? 

A: The most surprising thing was the different type of work that we do here. I was surprised at how the tiniest thing can either make something look messed up or perfect.  For example, if I put too much or too little filling, then I might have to do something again. 

F&F: How has working here this summer changed how you think about furniture? 

A: It definitely changed how I think about furniture. I’d want to come to a place like this knowing the quality and price.

F&F: How would you describe the vibes at F&F 

A: Umm… I would say chill and relaxing. 

F&F: What kind of tools did you work with?

A: I used two different sanders, scrapers, screw drivers. I used the spray gun. I used spray paint. Clamps. The nail gun. I used the hand saw too. I had only worked with screw drivers before this. I’m definitely more comfortable working with tools now than I was before.

F&F: What was the best part of working with F&F this summer? 

A: I would say the best part was getting to make my own dresser and to design it myself. I liked having creative control and doing whatever I wanted. 

On the top of the dresser, I put “YOU MATTER.” I put a stencil with flowers and two eyes on the front. I put these words on because it’s a good positive thing. People matter. 

F&F: What was your least favorite part of working with F&F this summer? 

A: My least favorite part was sanding. Sanding isn’t bad, but it’s definitely the worst thing. 

F&F: What’s something that you learned that you think you’ll use in the future? 

A: One thing that I learned this summer is that I know that I can come to Found and Fixed to get my furniture repaired. I also want to spray paint more. 

F&F: What advice would you give to any future youth employees at F&F 

A: Be ready to sand. 

Thanks for all of your hard work and shop assisting this summer, Anthony!