‘Opportunity meets hard work’: Samsung’s fourth Taylor ISD intern class graduates

Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s fourth cohort of high school interns from Taylor Independent School District (ISD) wrapped up their paid six-week summer internship with us on July 18. The internship culminated in a ceremony with the students’ families, including special guests from the school district and local elected officials.

The 24 students were assigned to different departments at the Austin and Taylor sites.

Tessa Kopecky, a rising senior at Taylor High School, spoke about her experience with the Gas Chemical Systems team in Taylor.

"From day one, people here took the time to teach and guide me," Kopecky said. “Employees like Heather—she took me out into the field, showed me around and helped me understand what was really happening behind the scenes. That hands-on experience, seeing the buildings, the setup, the systems, gave me a real appreciation for the scale and responsibility of this work.”

Kopecky thought she was going to “just observe” as an intern, but over time she felt comfortable enough to speak up and ask questions.

"This experience has helped shape the kind of student, professional and person I want to be. I'm incredibly thankful to have had a place here at Samsung and to be part of something so much bigger than myself—and it was right in my hometown of Taylor,” added Kopecky.

Taylor ISD superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen was at Samsung Austin Semiconductor on the students’ first day and she was there on their last day with words of encouragement.

“The Samsung experience has not only equipped our students with real world skills, but it has also shaped the future of Taylor ISD—and what an incredible opportunity when opportunity meets hard work,” Taylor ISD superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen.

“No matter what you want to get into, whether it be mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, English majors, are all somewhere in this building,” Taylor Mayor Dwayne Ariola said to the students. “This facility has something to offer to you in the long term."

The senior director of the People team, David Gentry, reiterated the role the students have in their hometown. “You are the future of the business. You are what we’re investing in for the future. You are what’s going to make Taylor successful,” Gentry said. 

You’re Hired! 

Before Eva Neill, a Legacy Early College High School graduate, even completed her second internship with Samsung Austin Semiconductor, she had secured a full-time position with us as a technician on the Environmental team.

"Before my first year doing this internship, I was undecided on what I wanted to do once I completed high school," Neill said. "I initially intended to take a gap year in order to pursue potential areas of interest or jobs that could help me find a career, however, interning with Samsung helped me find my area of interest."

While interning with the Environmental team, Neill worked on inspections, water testing and conducted research on Zero Liquid Discharge systems.

“Something I love about the internship Samsung has provided is the amount of opportunities and doors it opens for students. The fact that there are constantly things that need to be done and how much there truly is to learn. All of the people on my team are great and they’re always willing to answer questions or lend a helping hand,” Neill said. 

The Internship Experience

Communications and Community Affairs intern, Krista Randig, created a video highlighting a few of this year’s interns and what they enjoyed about their internship. 

The 2026 internship application process for Taylor ISD students opens in early 2026.