Over the holiday break, I had an opportunity to spend some time with my 15 year old cousin, Rachel.  As I talked to her, I learned that in order to meet the goals she wanted for her future (fashion merchandising); she has to start preparing now.  She is already starting to do cooperatives that her high school has set up, and she cannot even drive yet.  She spent the summer traveling and learning more about the craft she intends to master.  Also, this summer she plans on spending her time at Penn State, where she will not only prepare for the SAT’s but continue to take classes in fashion merchandising.  All I know is that when I was in school, including college, I did not know what an internship or cooperative was.