Kate Dalrymple LiA Midpoint Reflections

Oct 01, 2025

Kate Dalrymple

Student, Durham University

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My primary concern when arriving in NYC, not knowing anyone, was to make connections with people who lived near me. I have achieved this in my accommodation by speaking to people in the corridors and at shared mealtimes. This has given me a sense of community which is very welcome.
So far, I have also visited four museums, been to three outdoor movie screenings, and spent countless hours in central park – culturally experiencing the city! This is also helping me orient myself.
Within the workshop environment I have practised many skills, particularly using woodworking tools that I haven't used before. As part of this experience, I have found that being honest when I don’t know how to do something (despite it being challenging to be vulnerable) is the most productive way of learning. Also, the team within the workshop are very supportive and keen on questions – they frequently say ‘No such thing as a stupid question’ making it a great environment to grow in. I’m happy with my progress so far, despite my inexperience at the beginning of the summer.
I’m also grateful that I have been able to forge connections with the other interns, as it makes the learning experience more fun and varied, but also comes with the opportunity to learn from them. As the last intern to join the team this summer, I was able to become up to speed quickly from their guidance. Also, I am able to see my engineering education through an alternative lens by comparing what other people have learnt.
In the time I still have left, I am keen to take on a bigger project and some solo responsibility. So far, I have mainly worked on small parts of bigger projects, but it would be great to have total design responsibility, to test my design abilities and workshop skills. I hope to be able to visit a client and incorporate their custom features into my design too.