Paul Arevalo was no stranger to GRID prior to taking on a Construction Internship with us last Fall. Paul’s first encounter with GRID began with a solar installation through a Laney College course in 2012. In the same year, Paul went on to become a Solar Champ and individual fundraiser for our annual Solarthon, helping to raise over $600 for families in need.
In time, Paul became a Team Leader with GRID, and finally took a Construction Internship with our organization to supplement his college coursework. He then used the skills he learned with GRID to find employment in the solar industry! Whew! We’re amazingly proud of Paul’s commitment to solar and wanted to share his story in honor of our 2014 Solarthon. Paul enjoys working with solar because he sees it as a positive industry, something that is confirmed by the people he’s worked with, especially during his internship at GRID. Not only did he find that GRID staff provided a great platform for good communication, teaching, and learning, but he was able to greatly benefit from teaching other volunteers.
Due to our volunteer model, anyone who has experience is quickly put in a position of leadership, and Paul loved getting the chance to share his newly acquired skills and knowledge with other volunteers. “It’s not that you’re just taught and you forget about it,” says Paul. “You’re already in a position where you’re teaching someone else and so you’re able to really know the material in a way that engrains forever.”
In 2012 Paul hit the roof as a Solarthon Solar Champion. He shares that he was motivated by the thought of working with other solar supporters on one incredible event, all on roofs at the same time. In total, he has logged over 100 hours with GRID, and is looking forward to volunteering for our 2014 Solarthon.
We thank Paul for his dedication to GRID and look forward to seeing where his solar future takes him.