Sarah and Monica are students at Middlebury College participating in the Middlebury Innovation Hub’s Vermont Innovation Summer, a program that supports students working at companies and on self-directed projects across Vermont’s innovation ecosystem. This summer Sarah and Monica will be working at Generator supporting our youth programs, and working on a variety of fabrication and communication projects. The next time you’re in be sure to say hello!
Name: Sarah Holmes
Pronouns: She/Her
From: Cornwall, VT
Currently Studying: Economics with a minor in Global Health
LinkedIn: Sarah Holmes
Let’s get to know Sarah Holmes! A rising junior at Middlebury College, Sarah studies economics with a minor in global health and gravitates toward anything involving entrepreneurship or innovation. She works at Middlebury’s Innovation Hub, has competed in startup competitions, and is currently on a mission to create enough watercolor paintings to completely cover her apartment walls. She’s only with us for eight weeks before heading to Copenhagen for study abroad. But while here, she plans to make the most of her time in Burlington, starting with a very serious tour of every creemee stand in town. So, let’s jump in!
How did you first discover Generator, and what made you want to intern here?
I work at the Innovation Hub at Middlebury College, which runs a program called Vermont Innovation Summer. It connects a small group of students with internships at Burlington-based businesses. I heard about Generator early on. Every time I talked about what I wanted to do this summer, my mentors brought it up. One of them even joked they’d go back to college just to do this internship. After that, I couldn’t not check it out. The mix of creativity, community, and hands-on learning instantly stood out to me.
What’s something you’re excited to learn this summer?
I’m really hoping to learn the basics of the CNC machine. I’ve been fascinated by it ever since I visited Treeline Terrains — a Vermont business that makes custom topographic maps run by Middlebury alumni. After learning how to use the laser cutter here, I’ve gotten even more interested in wood design and what’s possible with digital fabrication. I’d also love to explore the sewing or jewelry studios if there’s time — I think it’d be fun to try something totally different.
I also want to learn more about each of our members. I get to see all of the amazing things in their workspaces, and I would love to meet the people behind them. This place is overflowing with creativity and unique skills. There is so much to learn!
What’s your favorite part of the space so far?
So far, I’ve had an absolute blast using the laser cutter. Syd was such a great teacher, and every time a staff member sees me working in the flex space, they share a new tip or trick. In just two days, I’ve already made a custom name tag and a super cool engraving of my dog — things I never would’ve believed I could make myself. It’s been such an encouraging and energizing start, and I’m really excited to keep learning and growing as a creative while I’m here.
Anything surprising about Generator?
I expected Generator to be loud and chaotic with all the machines and tools, but it’s surprisingly peaceful. There’s this calm energy in the space — people are focused, creative, and always willing to help, which makes it feel welcoming rather than overwhelming.
What’s something you hope to leave with at the end of your internship?
I’d love to leave something behind that people at Generator actually remember — whether it’s a sign, a mural, a new website feature, or something totally random. Hopefully, when someone stumbles across it, they’ll think, “Wow, those 2025 summer interns… They were great. Miss them every day.” That’s the dream.
Name: Monica Cuellar
Pronouns: she/her
From: Marietta, GA
Currently Studying: International Politics & Economics, French
LinkedIn: Monica Cuellar
Now it’s time to meet Intern #2 (that’s not what we call them… We promise)! Monica is a rising senior at Middlebury College, where she studies International Politics & Economics and French. She’s endlessly curious about how things work and loves bringing ideas to life through hands-on projects. She recently returned from a transformative year abroad in France, where she studied in both Bordeaux and Paris. While in Paris, she interned with a nonprofit for the first time, and there she discovered a deep passion for mission-driven work. Monica is excited to dive into Burlington’s funky live music scene this summer and spend her free time discovering hidden swimming holes, when she’s not busy creating at Generator, of course. Let’s see what Monica has to say about her internship experience so far.
How did you first discover Generator, and what made you want to intern here?
I was drawn to Generator by the chance to be part of a creative and supportive community where I could bring ideas to life through hands-on work. I discovered the space through Middlebury’s Vermont Innovation Summer program, and the more I learned, the more I knew it was a place I wanted to be. Over the past few years, my dad has been working on leather projects, crafting wallets, bags, and other custom pieces. Watching him create with his hands inspired me to explore my own creative side. That influence, along with my interest in how ideas become tangible, made Generator feel like the perfect environment to learn and grow. After spending the last year studying abroad in France, mostly in academic settings, I was especially ready for something more hands-on and collaborative.
What’s something you’re excited to learn this summer?
I’m really excited to dive deeper into 3D printing this summer. I’ve already seen some cool projects, but I’d love to learn how to design my own 3D print models from scratch using programs like Blender or TinkerCAD. The idea of creating something entirely on the computer and then bringing it to life layer by layer is fascinating to me. I’m also hoping to get a chance to learn how to sew while I’m here. It’s something I’ve always wanted to try but never really had the opportunity. Combining sewing skills with the other hands-on stuff at Generator sounds like a fun way to expand my creativity and maybe even make some unique, mixed-media projects. Overall, I’m just excited to keep exploring new tools and techniques throughout these eight weeks!
What’s your favorite part of the space so far?
My favorite part of the space so far is definitely the laser cutter. It’s so cool to see how it can take a simple piece of wood or acrylic and turn it into something super detailed and unique. I love playing around with different designs and materials and watching my ideas come to life right before my eyes. It’s honestly kind of addictive, and I’ve already gotten a ton of use out of it.
Anything surprising about Generator?
One thing that really surprised me about Generator is how incredibly welcoming and eager everyone is to teach and share their knowledge. From day one, I’ve felt supported by a team that is not only patient but genuinely invested in helping me learn and grow. It’s clear that everyone here is deeply passionate about their work, and that enthusiasm creates an inspiring and collaborative environment. Huge shoutout to Syd for training us! His patience and expertise made it so much easier for me to feel confident using the machines in the makerspace.
What’s something you hope to leave with at the end of your internship?
Honestly, while I’m excited to build new skills and finish some cool projects, what I’m really looking forward to is the connections I make here at Generator. I hope to leave feeling like I’m part of that creative network, not just for the summer, but long after the internship ends. Having people around who inspire me and share their knowledge is such an important part of the experience!
