On a crisp Fall morning Teresa and I had the opportunity to take six students from three different schools to tour the Google Office in New York City. We met Aditya, a volunteer with us who works for Google, in their 8th Avenue office. First, the Aditya took us up to his workspace. There he gave each of the six students, including Teresa and I, a cardboard viewer and a mobile device that turns a smartphone into a virtual reality device. Aditya proceeded to demo the new Google Expeditions app, walking us through a few virtual field trips. The trips varied from the depths of the oceans with sharks to the inside engine of an airplane. The students were very excited to engage with these, getting out of their seats and turning every direction they could with the cardboard device as they freely roamed through the panoramic image. Aditya described to them how he was working to develop these types of experiences more for students in schools.
After that, we continued on a tour of the mostly empty Google facility (it was a Saturday after all). The students found the multiple kitchens and snack rooms very intriguing, and truly enjoyed seeing what the office spaces, dining halls, and, most importantly, the game room with various video game consoles, pool, table tennis, and more. Although Aditya confessed that in the months he has worked at Google, he maybe had ventured down to the game room once. To which, many student groaned, and wondered aloud how he could ever be so busy.
Later in the tour we stopped in one of the classrooms employees use to engage in various professional development opportunities showing students that even the most seasoned employees continued to learn past traditional schooling. Here, students asked Aditya questions about his experience as a Google employee and the experiences that led him to his current position. During this discussion Teresa, Aditya and I were able to push students to think broadly about the outcomes of doing well in school, going to college, networking, and fighting for an opportunity. We took the time to talk about the privileges of working at Google, but also the high expectations and independent motivational needs that come with it. Aditya stressed the fact that he is given a lot of autonomy, but has to rely on his work and motivation habits he began building back in high school. These are the skills we push students to develop in order for them to achieve their goals.
After seeing some other very interesting parts of the office -- including a Jackson Pollock style painting replica of a Google Doodle -- we took a photo in front of the Google sign and headed out for a late lunch. On our way to lunch, we walked through Chelsea Market, where Aditya pointed out this was the original Nabisco factory and the first Oreo was ever made! We then headed to The Meatball shop and had a wonderful meal before heading back to Newark. Overall, it was an action packed day, where both the students and I were able to learn a lot about working at such an innovative company, including the hard work it takes and the habits necessary to continue to work at a place like that. I think the smiles on all of the students faces in the picture in front of the google sign tell it all. We all had a great time.
- Colin
After that, we continued on a tour of the mostly empty Google facility (it was a Saturday after all). The students found the multiple kitchens and snack rooms very intriguing, and truly enjoyed seeing what the office spaces, dining halls, and, most importantly, the game room with various video game consoles, pool, table tennis, and more. Although Aditya confessed that in the months he has worked at Google, he maybe had ventured down to the game room once. To which, many student groaned, and wondered aloud how he could ever be so busy.
Later in the tour we stopped in one of the classrooms employees use to engage in various professional development opportunities showing students that even the most seasoned employees continued to learn past traditional schooling. Here, students asked Aditya questions about his experience as a Google employee and the experiences that led him to his current position. During this discussion Teresa, Aditya and I were able to push students to think broadly about the outcomes of doing well in school, going to college, networking, and fighting for an opportunity. We took the time to talk about the privileges of working at Google, but also the high expectations and independent motivational needs that come with it. Aditya stressed the fact that he is given a lot of autonomy, but has to rely on his work and motivation habits he began building back in high school. These are the skills we push students to develop in order for them to achieve their goals.
After seeing some other very interesting parts of the office -- including a Jackson Pollock style painting replica of a Google Doodle -- we took a photo in front of the Google sign and headed out for a late lunch. On our way to lunch, we walked through Chelsea Market, where Aditya pointed out this was the original Nabisco factory and the first Oreo was ever made! We then headed to The Meatball shop and had a wonderful meal before heading back to Newark. Overall, it was an action packed day, where both the students and I were able to learn a lot about working at such an innovative company, including the hard work it takes and the habits necessary to continue to work at a place like that. I think the smiles on all of the students faces in the picture in front of the google sign tell it all. We all had a great time.
- Colin