This summer, VVRC welcomed Thomas Gutshall, a sophomore at Bloomsburg University studying Digital Forensics, to our IT team. Thomas spent his internship diving into the tech side of life at Valley View—and discovered that a retirement community can be full of surprises. 

From day one, Thomas says that he noticed the friendly atmosphere: “Everybody’s been encouraging and supportive.”  

A Day in the Life of a Valley View IT Intern
Thomas’s days were anything but boring. His responsibilities included setting up and updating computers, configuring printers, and handling a variety of IT tickets that kept him on his toes. 

He says that he enjoyed the small, heartwarming moments throughout the day, like residents playfully calling out to him and his colleague as they walked through the halls. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom
While Thomas gained valuable technical experience, he also learned lessons that go beyond IT. “A non-IT thing I learned was how to communicate with people,” he reflects. And on the technical side, he became more confident navigating Windows systems and updating PCs—skills that complement his academic studies in digital forensics. 

Why Valley View is Different
What makes Valley View unique, according to Thomas, is that an internship here isn’t your typical IT job. “You’re doing a little bit of everything,” he says. He said that the internship opportunity gave him a hands-on, well-rounded experience.  

A Recommendation from Thomas
For students considering an IT internship, Thomas has this advice: “Valley View is a great place for an internship because of its peaceful environment and the variety of experiences you gain. Plus, you’re surrounded by supportive people who make learning enjoyable.” He gives a special shout-out to Director of Information Technology Jeff Foflygen and Information Technology Project Engineer Slava Gusev for their guidance and support throughout the summer. 

At Valley View, we’re proud to provide opportunities that combine learning, community, and a little bit of fun along the way. Thomas’s summer reminds us that technology—and kindness—can go hand in hand.