Working with Co-op Students Yields a Mutually Beneficial Experience

Wishing Ashley the Very Best as She Embarks on Her Next Chapter!

As summer winds down and the next academic year approaches, we at Murphy Insurance Agency are both proud and a little wistful as we say goodbye to Ashley Pu Calderon, our most recent co-op student from Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re incredibly excited for her as she begins her college journey at UMass Amherst and takes the next big step toward her future.

Over the past year and a half, Ashley has been an integral part of our team working in our Marketing Department. She brought a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and an impressive level of professionalism. Ashley embraced every opportunity and consistently exceeded expectations.

Murphy Insurance has proudly participated in the Assabet Cooperative Work Placement Program for the past six years. The program provides students with an opportunity for employment that enhances their technical skills and allows them to gain experience in a real-world work environment—experiences that often aren’t available in their shop classes alone. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all academic subjects and a “B” average in their shop courses, while also meeting the school’s attendance policy. Students alternate between academic and co-op weeks, working a minimum of 30 hours per co-op week.

Wayne Texeira, Ashley’s supervisor and the Marketing Director at Murphy Insurance, shared his thoughts on the experience:

“It’s been a truly rewarding experience to serve as a supervisor and mentor for co-op students over the years. The program creates a mutually beneficial relationship—students gain real-world experience and professional skills, and we benefit from the fresh perspective and dedicated support they bring to the team. Ashley made a meaningful impact across several areas of our business, including database management and cleanup, website content development, and social media content creation and implementation.

She boosted our output by enabling us to take on more projects. With her support, we were able to maintain momentum on marketing initiatives, increase communication, and operate more efficiently. Working with Ashley has been incredibly rewarding. She leaves with significant accomplishments under her belt, and I have no doubt she’ll continue to thrive and make informed choices about her future career.”

Ashley also reflected on her time at Murphy Insurance:

“Having the opportunity to work at the Murphy Insurance Agency as part of Assabet’s Co-op program has played a key role not only in my professional development, but also my personal growth. Since the beginning, I’ve been surrounded by people who are experts in their fields and genuinely passionate about what they do. As a Marketing Intern, my skill set has exponentially expanded. From website development to database management, I’ve been exposed to a variety of valuable experiences that make me feel confident in my ability to succeed in my future career. Furthermore, at Murphy Insurance, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a team that is truly like a family. Even in my short time there, I will always remember the connections I’ve made as I enter the next chapter of my life.”

Ashley, thank you for your hard work, your enthusiasm, and the many contributions you made during your time with us. We are proud to have been a part of your journey and can’t wait to see where your future leads.

From all of us at Murphy Insurance Agency—best of luck in college, and don’t be a stranger. Your Murphy Insurance family will always be rooting for you!

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