INTERN INTERVIEWS - ZACK JERNIGAN

​   For many high schoolers summer means late nights, sleeping in and relaxing. For Zack Jernigan, however, this past summer meant waking up early, heading to job sites and gaining experience in the world of construction.
    Jernigan, 17, participated in Anderson Columbia Co. Inc.’s intern program for the first time from June 2020 to August 2020, visiting different infrastructure projects happening throughout the West Florida area. From paving and resurfacing work on County Road 162 in Vernon, Florida, to the site work being performed at the new Marianna K-8 School, Jernigan participated in four projects over the  internship.
   “I liked it, it was definitely interesting; I met some interesting people,” he said. “My favorite part was riding around, looking at the jobs (with the foremen) and making sure everything was going right.” 
    Among helping with the oversight of the jobs, Jernigan’s days were also filled with digging and dirt work, picking up materials and equipment and flagging and maintenance-of-traffic work. He said while he’s not sure whether he wants to pursue a career in the field of construction later on in life, he believes this internship helped him learn aspects of the trades and provided him with experience working with people from all walks of life.
   Being a senior at Marianna High School this year, Jernigan has one more summer after he graduates to intern with Anderson Columbia Co. Inc, which he said he would gladly do.
   “My bank account looks a lot better,” he said, laughing.  “This is a good way for people my age to make some money and gain some experience.” 

Zack Jernigan receiving a $1,000 Scholarship from FTBA in 2021 after participating in the Anderson Columbia Internship Program in Summer 2020. Pictured with him is his father Rusty Jernigan (left) and Anderson Columbia Vice President Gene Strickland (right).