Hello, my name is Everett Orange. I am a Communication Design student at City Tech. I’m interested in design, motion graphics, and videogame design, and I also work as a Media Arts mentor/tutor and video editor at BMCC’s Office of Accessibility.
The Office of Accessibility is part of (BMCC), which is in the CUNY system in Lower Manhattan. It’s a public college, and the office’s mission is to give students with disabilities equal access to education through accommodations, mentoring, and faculty support. Their “clients” are really both students and faculty.
BMCC was founded in 1963 and has grown into the largest community college in CUNY. It moved to its current campus in the 1980s and showed resilience after 9/11 when the campus was heavily impacted.
I work in the Media and Arts area, where I tutor students in creative software and design projects.
Two recent BMCC updates stood out:
- Record Transfer Rates (2025) – More students are moving on to four-year schools like City Tech and NYU.
- Digital Accessibility Initiatives (2025) – New faculty training is making courses more accessible.
This first week was about preparing—organizing my tools, setting a schedule, and reflecting on how my role in design and mentoring connects to OA’s mission.
Blog 2: Getting Started
Preparing for My Internship at the Office of Accessibility
The first week was all about getting myself ready to start this internship on the right foot. Since I’m working hybrid, I wanted to feel organized and confident, so I made sure I had my schedule mapped out, my design software updated, and my mindset focused on balancing both schoolwork and internship responsibilities. I reminded myself that this internship isn’t just a class requirement, it’s a chance to really grow as a digital designer.
At the Office of Accessibility, my role connects to what I’ve already been doing at BMCC as a Media Arts mentor. I regularly tutor students in creative programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Cinema 4D. A big part of my job is helping students figure things out step by step, especially when they feel stuck, and showing them ways to build confidence in their projects. That experience actually gave me a lot of momentum coming into the internship, because I already knew how to explain creative concepts in a way that’s approachable. I also learn something new myself after tutoring each student. Overall, week one felt like laying the foundation, getting to know my responsibilities and meeting expectations.
Blog 3: Designing Manuals for Staff
Creating Manuals to Support Neurodiverse Students
One of my supervisor is Ms. Grace Harris, Manager of the Office of Accessibility, assigned me my first design project during my internship; she wanted me to create a Staff Faculty Manuel for the Professors to know how to understand students more who may be on the spectrum. Ms. Grace usually assigns projects, gives feedback, and helps me think about how my design work connects to accessibility goals (colors & fonts matters a lot in this area).
I chose this internship site because I was already familiar with the office from my time as a student at BMCC. I had built connections with the staff through my tutoring and mentoring work, and when I expressed interest in an internship, it was a natural fit. The process was pretty straightforward: I spoke directly with Ms. Harris about my experience, the skills I could bring to the role, and how the internship could help me grow. Since I had already been contributing as a student worker and mentor, I didn’t go through a formal interview process instead, my past work with the office spoke for itself.
During week two, I designed two staff manuals using Canva. The first is called “A Spectrum of Possibility” and the second is “Supporting Neurodiverse Students.” (I did a lot of research to come up with the best name for them). Both manuals are meant to help faculty and staff better understand and support students on the autism spectrum.
This wasn’t just a matter of dropping text into a document. I had to think carefully about the layout, color, typography, and flow of the content so the manuals felt professional but also approachable. I also designed an online booklet version that could be easily shared across the campus, which added another layer of accessibility.
This project was a learning curve because it pushed me to focus not just on how something looks, but on how clearly it communicates. It showed me that good design can directly impact people’s lives, especially when it’s connected to education.
Blog 4: Newsletter Template Design
Building a Newsletter for the Office of Accessibility
On week three, I worked on something new, Grace wanted me to design 3 newsletter templates in Canva for the Office of Accessibility. The idea was to create a clean, reusable layout that staff could update with announcements, events, and resources for students. I had to keep the design simple enough that anyone could edit it easy.
This project also gave me a chance to observe the workplace culture at OA. The environment is supportive and collaborative, with a casual dress code (I usually dress in Jeans and a pattern button up collar shirt). A typical workday includes meetings, mentoring sessions, and project work, with flexible breaks (thank God I get an hour break) and plenty of communication. My supervisor, Ms. Harris, usually checks in through email or quick conversations, and staff rely on tools like Google Drive, Canva, and Adobe Creative Cloud to manage projects.
What I enjoyed most was realizing design here isn’t just about making things look nice, it’s also about creating tools that are accessible for everyone on the team. Oh, and I forgot to mention that I have my own office with a door!
Blog 5: Google Form Project & NY Comic Con Event
Creating a Google Form and Exploring New Inspiration
Week four gave me a chance to look at my work and also step outside for new inspiration. At the office, I created a Google Form for the OA called “Professor Career & Field Interview.” The form was designed to collect feedback from professors about their careers and fields of study. My goal was to make it clear, professional, and easy to use, especially for busy faculty. I think I did well on the structure and layout, but if I evaluate myself honestly, I know I could improve on double-checking accessibility features earlier in the process. That’s something I’ll focus on in future projects.
Outside the office, I signed up for New York Comic Con to connect with independent video game developers. Since I’m passionate about design and storytelling in games, this event felt like the perfect opportunity to see how others bring their creative ideas to life. I’m hoping it sparks ideas for my own projects and connects me to role models in the industry who show what’s possible when you take risks and innovate.
This week reminded me that growth isn’t just about the tasks you finish it’s also about evaluating yourself, learning from what you could do better, and finding inspiration in the creative community around you.
Blog 6: Industry Exposure & Benefits Research
During Week 5 of my internship, I had the chance to attend New York Comic Con (NYCC) from October 9–12. Before going, I spoke with my supervisor, Grace Harris, who encouraged me to attend since it could help me find new artistic inspiration, meet other creatives, and explore how design connects with business. The experience fits perfectly with my internship’s focus on professional growth and creative design.
Experience at NY Comic Con
NY Comic Con was an unforgettable experience packed with a lot of energy and creativity. I met some independent artists selling everything from posters and T-shirts to stickers, keychains, and digital art prints. Some of them used Krita and other software similar to Illustrator that I haven’t heard of before. This gave me new ideas for using accessible tools in professional design work.
Even though I couldn’t afford the celebrity meet-and-greets, it was still amazing just being in the same space as well-known actors like Norman Reedus from The Walking Dead and the cast of Land of the Dead. Seeing all the different artists, vendors, and fans together reminded me how big and diverse the creative world really is.
Blog 7: Learning Outcomes
From a professional standpoint, I learned a lot about how freelance and independent artists build their income through conventions and merchandise. It was clear that booth design, clear branding, and customer engagement make a huge difference in sales. Many artists talked about how important it is to have a consistent style and visually appealing setup — from the signage to the lighting and product display.
I also paid attention to how they priced their work. Most used tiered pricing systems, with small items like stickers in the $5–$10 range, medium-sized prints around $20–$40, and premium items such as hoodies or framed prints going for $50 or more. It showed me how artists balance affordability and value to make their art sustainable.
Another major takeaway was networking. I connected with several designers and illustrators who shared tips about promoting art online using social media and QR codes to link to portfolios or shops. I plan to follow up with a few of them on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep building those professional connections and possibly learn more from their experience in the field.
Blog 8: Mentoring New Media Arts Students
This week, my supervisor Ms. Harris gave me three new Media Arts students to mentor. Each one had a different focus — one is studying Comic Art, another is in 3D Animation, and the third is taking Video Production. My job as a Media Arts Tutor is to help students with disabilities use programs like Illustrator, Photoshop, and Cinema 4D, and to support them with whatever they need to complete their projects.
Using what I learned as a former BMCC Media Arts student and now as a City Tech Communication Design major, I was able to guide each student at their own pace. We also set up a weekly tutoring schedule, so everyone gets consistent time for one-on-one help and feedback. Even though I’m the mentor, I still learned a lot myself—especially new tools and shortcuts in Photoshop and Illustrator. Teaching really does make you better at what you already know.
Ethics in the design field, makes me think about how things work at the Office of Accessibility. When we create materials or help students with design projects, we always make sure to use original or properly licensed images and avoid anything that could cause copyright issues. I also make a point to remind students to credit their sources and be mindful of what they use online.
Our office doesn’t have a formal written ethics policy, but my whole team practices good habits, being respectful, honest, and professional with every project we work on. Overall, it was a really busy work. I enjoyed getting to know the new students, helping them build confidence in their software skills, and thinking more deeply about what it means to design responsibly. I really want to keep improving how I teach and make sure students not only create great work but also to do it the right way.
Blog 9: Student Outreach & Networking
This week was definitely one of my busiest so far. My supervisor, Grace Harris, sent me an Excel sheet with a list of over 80 Media Arts students registered with the Office of Accessibility (OA). My job was to call everyone on that list to check in and see how their semester was going.
I used the office phone and introduced myself on each call:
“Hi, my name is Everett Orange, I’m calling from the Office of Accessibility. I just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing this semester, and if you need any support with your classes, tutoring, or campus resources like counseling. Also, we have a Disability Job Fair coming up on October 22nd at 2 PM if you’d like to attend.”
There were a lot of names to get through, so this task took most of the week. I managed to call about 33 students, and I’ll continue with the rest next week. Each call was different — some students needed help with software access or tutoring, while others just appreciated someone checking in. It was nice getting to talk to so many students majoring in Media Arts and putting voices to names.
On top of that, I was still tutoring students in person, so balancing both roles taught me a lot about time management and patience. Making calls all day while switching between tutoring sessions kept me on my toes, but it also gave me a better understanding of what it’s like to handle multiple responsibilities in a real office setting.
Even though I didn’t attend an outside networking event this week, these phone calls honestly felt like one. I was building connections, practicing how to communicate clearly, and representing the OA office in a positive way. Networking isn’t always about big events — sometimes it’s just about being present, professional, and genuine when talking to people. Week 7 taught me a lot about communication and the importance of follow-up. Every conversation matters, and it’s nice to know that a simple check-in call can make someone’s day a little easier.
Blog 10: Facility Booklet Updates
This week at the Office of Accessibility, I worked on updating and re-editing the Facility Booklet for my manager. I focused on cleaning up the layout, fixing spacing and formatting issues, and making sure everything looked clear and organized before it gets shared out. It felt good to contribute to something that will be used by students and staff.
I also met with a group of new Media Arts students who were assigned to me for support. We went over their projects like 2D & 3D animation, also we talked through ideas, and I helped them with some tools and techniques for their media and animation work. It was cool getting to see what they’re working on and being able to guide them.
This week was really a productive week and I’m looking forward to continuing to support students and work on more design tasks next soon!
Blog 11: Newsletter Template Revision & Office Doc Review
This week, I worked on re-editing the newsletter template in Canva. I updated the layout, adjusted spacing, and cleaned up the design to make it more organized and easier to read. I also helped make sure the information was clear and visually consistent so it’s ready for future newsletter updates.
I also had the chance to attend the Office Doc Review meeting on Tuesday over Zoom. The whole staff met to go over current updates, upcoming projects, and strategies for supporting students. It was helpful to hear everyone’s perspectives and see how the office plans and collaborates behind the scenes.
This week felt really productive and I’m glad I’m getting more involved in both design and internal planning.
Blog 12: Tutoring Session & Interactive Website Project
This week I focused mainly on tutoring students. I worked one-on-one with a student on a website project that required them to build a story-based interactive site. I taught him how to code basic, pages and set up links so each page offered two choices that lead to different outcomes. He chose a medieval-themed story, so we talked through layout ideas, navigation, and how to keep the user engaged through branching paths. It was great seeing him get more confident as he built out each page.
It really felt rewarding to support a creative project and help strengthen real coding skills at the same time.
Blog 13: Internship Reflection
This week my manager asked me to shadow and participate in a creative workshop hosted by the Office of Accessibility in another room on campus. The workshop is designed to give students a break from stress and let them focus on something creative and fun. They had different activities available like drawing on a huge shared table with colored pencils and even 3D-printing their own models. They also provided food and drinks, which helped make it feel like a relaxed community space.
I joined a student I mentor for Media Arts at the large drawing table with paper, and we each worked in our own section. While we drew, I checked in with him about how his classes are going, if he needs help with assignments, or if he needs support accessing campus resources. It felt like a natural and comfortable setting to talk, and he opened up more than he usually does. It made me realize how helpful creative environments can be for building trust and communication.
The objects in the photo were created on a 3D printer by a previous student, and I used them to practice my still-life drawing skills. It was a great way to challenge myself artistically while also connecting with students. This workshop reminded me how important it is to balance academics with emotional and creative support. Sometimes students just need space to breathe, create, and feel seen.
Blog 14: My Brooklyn Museum Visit
I visited the Brooklyn Museum yesterday and bought a student ticket for $14. The visit was amazing, seeing the artwork in person felt completely different than looking at it online. I was able to interact with the work visually and feel what the artists were trying to express.
One of the first pieces I saw was a huge wooden sculpture of two large characters with their arms around each other. The size of the thing was big, and standing next to it made me feel small. The smooth wood and the cartoony shapes mixed with the X-shaped eyes made me feel mixed comfort and sadness. It gave off a feeling of support and unity and seeing it in person made me want to become a designer like that who created this amazing piece.
Another piece of art that grabbed my attention was the sculpture of three Black women facing opposite directions, connected at the back with extremely detailed braided hairstyles twisting up. It felt like a celebration of identity, beauty, and cultural strength, and it had a strong emotional impact seeing it right there in front of me.
Another interesting piece was James Luna’s photographic triptych exploring mixed-race identity. The portraits were simple, but the message about being “half many things” and resisting stereotypes made the work meaningful. It made me think about personal identity and the assumptions people make based on appearance.
The Brooklyn Museum experience was inspiring and motivating. What went well was being able to walk around each piece and see details from different angles, which made everything feel more alive and real. I have so much more pictures I have taken, but I left feeling more connected to design as a storytelling tool, and more committed to creating work with meaning, message, and design. It was worth the trip.
Blog 15: Review of Trello (Project Management App)
During my internship in the Office of Accessibility at BMCC, Trello became one of the most valuable tools in my workflow. I use it to keep track of all my media arts students that I tutor and mentor, and honestly, it keeps me from losing my mind when things get busy.
My setup is simple: To-Do, Doing, and Done.
Each student has their own card with notes, goals, things we’re working on, and what they need help with. When we reach a goal, I just drag the card across the board. It’s really satisfying watching a task go into “Done”.
The best part is I have Trello connected to Microsoft Teams, so everything stays synced. If I need to check something quickly or update a student’s progress after a session, I can just do it from there. No scattered notes, no trying to remember what I said last week, everything is in front of me.
Trello makes my school, internship work, and student mentoring way easier. It keeps everything organized without stressing me out, and honestly it feels less like work when everything is laid out visually. I’d recommend it to anyone who needs help staying on top of tasks, especially when there’s a lot happening at once.
Blog 16: Base44 Review (Creative App)
For my second app, I chose Base44, a platform that allows users to build fully customizable apps without heavy backend development. I explored Base44 with a specific goal in mind: creating my own embed-hosting app so I could display media more smoothly on my personal portfolio website.
In the past, I tried embedding videos and images from YouTube, Google Drive, and Dropbox, but I constantly ran into connection issues. Some links wouldn’t load, others broke when sharing, and file visibility would shift depending on device or permission settings. Instead of continuing to fight those limitations, I took a more innovative approach, I built my own embed app on Base44.
This app now allows me to host and embed my own images and videos directly into my portfolio, giving me full control over formatting, appearance, and display. It fits seamlessly into the site I coded myself, and because it’s built on Base44, I can continue expanding it over time. As a creative professional, having a tailored tool like this means freedom. I’m not restricted by third-party platforms or embed limitations, and the design reflects my style instead of an outside system, and I also get to save a lot of money from subscriptions.
Base44 gives designers flexibility, and that’s why I enjoyed using it. Instead of adapting my work around an app, I made the app adapt to me. Base44 opens the door to custom solutions, It’s a powerful option for designers who want something unique, personal, and expandable.
Blog 17 — Growth, Learning & Leveling Up My Skills
This week gave me a chance to really step back and notice how much I’ve grown through this internship so far. I spent most of my time mentoring Media Arts students, helping them work through design tools, animation assignments, and troubleshooting issues. Every session pushed me to communicate more clearly, and patiently, and think on my feet, it’s teaching me just as much as I’m teaching them.
I also got to sharpen some of my design skills through accessibility-focused projects. I paid more attention to readability, spacing, contrast, and layout logic — not just how something looks, but how easy it is for someone else to understand and use it. That mindset has changed the way I approach design as a whole, especially when working with newsletters, forms, and digital documents.
On top of that, I’ve gotten better at balancing multiple responsibilities. This internship has me switching between tutoring, documentation work, student outreach, and design tasks, which taught me how to stay organized without getting overwhelmed. Tools like Trello and Teams helped a lot, but experience is really what built my confidence.
What I really appreciated about this week is how much extra I gained beyond the regular workflow, new UI layout instincts, faster video editing decisions, quicker problem solving with students, and clearer communication skills. It feels like everything I’m learning here is shaping the designer I want to become. Every week at OA teaches me something new, whether I expect it or not and honestly, I’m excited to see what I learn next.
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