News
OSHM Student, Amauri Mcintosh Ready for next Chapter after Embracing Campus Life, Volunteerism
February 21, 2024
Amauri McIntosh's schedule has kept him from attending recent events like the Black Male Scholars meetings. He does, however, plan to attend that particular December gathering.
"I want to be sure to get there," said McIntosh, who will earn a bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health management. "I want to thank them for the role they played in my experience here, for introducing me to different faculty members and for sharing resources with me."
He enjoyed the OSHM program, which is housed in the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, saying the program's size allowed for easy connections to faculty who are passionate about their field and introductions to area employers.
McIntosh stayed in Pigeon, in Michigan's Thumb area, while he completed an environmental, health and safety internship at Huron Castings, which produces shell-molded steel castings. McIntosh said he had various roles for the company, from inspecting stormwater to tracking its toxic release inventory.
The graduate of Mona Shores High School will be the first in his family to graduate from college. McIntosh said he's ready for the workforce, in whatever form that comes his way.
"I've got applications out there," he said. "I've been to career fairs and have reached out to employers. I'm ready for something that books and classes won't teach you."
Wherever McIntosh works, he will bring a rounded resume of volunteer opportunities. He served as a teaching assistant for the Bricks for Kids program at Grand Rapids Public Schools and was a frequent volunteer at PCEC events for K-12 students.
"Recently, I helped kids build little working bugs that were powered by solar panels," he said. "When I think about giving back, I now think about tying it with OSHM and doing something about teaching safety to kids."
McIntosh arrived on Grand Valley's campus in the fall of 2019. He said he arrived with a few words of wisdom from his father.
"My pops told me to be approachable. I learned a lot about myself and about relationships that first year, and I found my way," he said. "I used to be very analytical but I find myself going with the flow right now."