As many Readiness Institute Summer Discovery learners know, the connection doesn’t just end after the summer. We continue to stay in touch with program graduates when they go back for their senior year, after they graduate from high school, and beyond. Let’s check in with one of the young adults who was a part of program.
Vincent Cacciotti
Where are you now?
I’m currently at Penn State University Park, where I’m majoring in aerospace engineering.
I work as a learning assistant for CHEM 110, helping with both lectures and recitations. I also interned at GetStitch.ai as a UI/UX designer, focusing on interactivity and user experience. Since the Readiness Institute, I’ve hosted a large-scale murder mystery event, created a PC game called “The Shape Escape” using Unity, and even wrote a book.
What do you enjoy most about where you are now?
I really enjoy the wide range of courses that Penn State offers, along with the diverse clubs and the energetic student body. The campus is filled with people from all kinds of backgrounds, which makes it the perfect environment to broaden my perspective and expand my worldview.
How has your life changed since the Readiness Institute?
The Readiness Institute had a major impact on me. Since joining the program, my interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate my ideas have improved significantly. Whether it was through impromptu presentations, the Shark Tank challenge, or even creating a podcast, the experience pushed me to grow in ways that have helped me both personally and professionally.
How did the Readiness Institute help you prepare for where you are now?
At the time I joined the Readiness Institute, I was strongly considering aerospace engineering but wasn’t fully sure it was the right path. The program gave me the confidence and clarity to confirm that this was the direction I wanted to take — and it did so in a way that was engaging, hands-on, and enjoyable.
What is your favorite memory from the Readiness Institute?
My favorite memory would have to be the trip to Inventionland. As someone already interested in engineering, it was incredible to see so many different types of engineering applied in one creative space. That visit really sparked my excitement for the field even more.
What’s one thing on your bucket list — personally or professionally — that you’d like to check off in the next five years?
One goal I’d love to check off is to be part of a major engineering project or prototype that goes into testing or production — something where I can apply both creativity and technical skill in a real-world setting.
What advice or message do you have for your fellow Readiness Institute alums?
Don’t just follow a path because it seems like the next logical step. Challenge yourself to think outside the box. Choose what excites you and pushes you to grow — and don’t be afraid to bring others along on the journey.