When two programs from Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center (RMCTC) collaborate, the result can be an extraordinary experience. Such was the case when Ms. Isaura Alberto, an RMCTC Horticulture program graduate and Reading High School alumna, and Ms. Elizabeth Gonzalez, a current Reading High School senior in the RMCTC Building and Property Maintenance (BPM) program, joined forces through internships at Berks Nature. This opportunity, with the help of Beckey Seel, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator & Educator for Berks Nature, allowed both students to deepen their passion for their respective fields while gaining real-world experience.
Isaura chose to pursue Horticulture because of a lifelong love for plants, a passion nurtured from a young age while gardening with her mother. Isaura shared, “My favorite part of working at Berks Nature for my internship was working in the teaching garden with Emma. I loved planting new things, harvesting vegetables, and even weeding was enjoyable!” She also gained valuable insights from her supervisors: “Andrew taught me about composting and how it’s much more than just tossing a banana peel into the soil, while Brian helped me better identify plant species and understand the difference between native and non-native plants.” Isaura also credits RMCTC and her instructor, Mrs. Amy Michalski, for teaching her about plant propagation, growing new plants from cuttings.
Elizabeth enrolled in the Building and Property Maintenance program because of her hands-on learning style and childhood interest in building and creating. “I’ve always enjoyed making things out of scraps I found around the house,” she said. With the support of her instructor, Mr. Tylka, Elizabeth was able to apply those skills by working on real repair and maintenance projects, both at home and during her internship. At Berks Nature, Elizabeth enjoyed maintaining the facility and learning about both exterior and interior property upkeep. “Brian, my supervisor, taught me how to identify invasive species and gave me insight into outdoor maintenance concerns like erosion. I also gained experience with HVAC systems and other aspects of structural work inside the facility.”
Looking to the future, Elizabeth plans to pursue further education in carpentry and remodeling, attend a trade school, and eventually become a realtor. “I’d love to fix and flip houses, using my skills to open a business with my mom,” she said.
Isaura’s long-term goal is to become an electrician, while continuing to use her horticulture skills personally and professionally. “I just started my first day of college with the hope of earning my journeyman certification and advancing in the electrical trade.”
This joint internship through RMCTC and Berks Nature not only allowed both students to gain practical experience but also helped them take confident steps toward their future careers.
