The Hinsdalean_2019-02-14

60 SECONDS

Campus extends to corporate world for collegian Jimmie McGrath is a firm believ-

he also believes in learning things that aren’t related to a job or the pursuit of a career. While he con- tinues to pursue a minor in Latin, he also has taken up the unexpect- ed hobby of knitting. “I am a strong proponent that college is the perfect place to learn more than your profession, and it’s also a great place to get involved and explore things you have never tried before,” he said. As a co-founder and vice presi- dent of the 40-plus member club, McGrath is helping others to discover the pleasure of yarn art while opening himself up to meet- ing people he won’t find in his math and science classes. “We actually have people from most majors on campus. It’s another way to grow, interact with other departments and fields of thought, and to strengthen the community around you,” said McGrath, who added that the manual dexterity he develops while knitting can only help when it comes to working with electrical circuits. — by Sandy Illian Bosch, photo provided

ter, he hopes to focus his time and attention in the company’s IT department. Given the choice, the future electrical engineer said he would like to spend the third semester working on the development of electric cars. “Something in renewable resources would be a really cool path for me, and if it was in the auto industry, I would love it,” he said. The former Red Devil said his teachers at Hinsdale Central pre- pared himwell for life as an engi- neering student. As a high school student, McGrath was a member of the track and field team and worked as a caddy at Hinsdale Golf Club. Along with a course load heavy in math and physics, he took four years of Latin, some- thing he chose to continue in college. “I like the decoding that it involves,” said McGrath, who said he sees ties between the skills needed in Latin and those required in computer science. McGrath not only believes in education outside the classroom,

er that learning doesn’t have to take place in a classroom. The university he chose to continue his education wholeheartedly agrees. McGrath is one of 250 students participating in the University of Alabama’s Cooperative Education Program. The program pairs stu- dents of the Tuscaloosa university with area businesses that serve as hands-on training grounds. Students alternate periods of full-time study with periods of full-time employment. During times of employment, the student maintains full-time enrollment status while collecting a regular paycheck, benefits and valuable experience. McGrath, now a junior, spent the fall semester working at Mercedes Benz in Tuscaloosa. It’s the first of three semesters that will be spent working in various areas of the auto company. He said the experience gained while working in the automaker’s paint depart- ment gave him knowledge and experience that could be applied to any form of production. When he returns for the summer semes-

JIMMIE MCGRATH GRADUATE OF HINSDALE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL • VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA KNITTING SOCIETY • NO CONNECTION TO THE CAR DEALERSHIPS THAT SHARE HIS LAST NAME • SET TO GRADUATE IN SPRING 2021

THE FRUIT STORES HINSDALE 26 W. First Street (630) 655-1893 (Always FREE Convenient Parking) WESTERN SPRINGS 925 Burlington Ave. • (708) 246-0893 OPEN SUNDAYS 10-4 Quality and Service is our Priority...

OPEN YEAR ROUND!

5620 South Oak Street Hinsdale 1 block S. of 55th & 1 block W. of County Line Rd. (630)-323-1085 www.verngoersgreenhouse.com Winter Hours: Mon-Sat. 8am-5pm; Closed Sunday

• All Natural, Delicious Fruit Smoothies • Fruit Salad ... in our bowl or yours • Daily Soups and Salad Bar GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Visit us at hinsdalefruitstore.com Produce is our Passion! Summertime taste in the middle of winter

COME IN FOR A TOUCH OF SPRING! 2019 SEEDS ARE IN Vegetables • Herbs • Flowers INDOOR PLANTS: AZALEAS • BONSAI• CYCLAMEN HYACINTHS • HOUSEPLANTS • KALANCHOES SUCCULENTS •TULIPS • PRIMROSE

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GIFT CARDS DOOR COUNTY COFFEE

It is with great sadness that we have to close our doors. We would like to thank the town of Hinsdale for their kind patronage and support for the last 20 years. In order to eliminate our inventory, all items will be 25% off the regular price in the month of February. *** Special orders are excluded.

We are open: Mon – Fri 10 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 5 pm

We are located at: 14 W Hinsdale Ave. Hinsdale 630-887-8281 We will remain open online at www.artquestgallery.com

The Hinsdalean • February 14, 2019 • Page 11