I'm celebrating 2 years working with CreateAccess!

If you would have told me two and a half years ago that a guest lecture in my Advanced Computer Science class at Malvern Preparatory School would launch one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, I never would’ve believed you.

Back then, CreateAccess didn’t even have a logo—or a name! 

When Liz Dailey and Patrick Cozzi came in to speak about UEFN, photogrammetry, and 3D tech, a few of my friends and I were immediately hooked and just started creating. Not long after, Liz and Pat launched the very first CreateAccess intern cohort, which I was fortunate enough to be a part of. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Liz and Pat for believing in me from the beginning and opening the door to so many experiences that have shaped who I am today.

Two years later, I’m still here, and in awe of the organization’s growth.

In the early days, we weren’t just building curriculum, we were figuring out how to build curriculum. Each microcourse and learning guide we created came straight from our own curiosity: What excites us? What tools would we have wanted to explore as students? What will spark that same feeling in someone else? 

This mindset, the one my friends and I had during that initial pilot to just create and see what we can do, is still one of my favorite aspects of CreateAccess' culture. The freedom to follow our creative instincts and turn them into learning experiences has shaped the content we create. Whether it’s bringing the real world to 3D through photogrammetry, game design in UEFN, or an entirely web-based workflow to make 3D creation even more accessible, the ideas we’re passionate about become the foundation of what we teach.

The real magic? Getting to step into a program and see learners light up when they bring their ideas to life. Watching them go from unsure to unstoppable in just a few hours, and have those moments of discovery, of pride, of “I made this” never get old. I see the same excitement in learners that I had in that original pilot, and it’s awesome.

As CreateAccess has grown, so have I. From my time as a 3D Technical Content Creator to stepping into the role of 3D Program Developer during my freshman year at Villanova University, I’ve grown as an educator, creator, teammate, and learner. I’ve learned how to design with purpose, teach with empathy, lead with intention, and most importantly: that in 3D creation, you never stop learning. 

Looking ahead, I’m excited for what’s next for the future of 3D tech, for the learners we've yet to meet, and for all the ways CreateAccess will continue to grow!

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone I’ve had the chance to work with at CreateAccess, including fellow interns, educators, volunteers, learners, and collaborators. Their creativity, passion, and dedication have shaped this journey and are a huge part of what makes working here so rewarding.

Josh DeStefano was CreateAccess' first intern hire as a rising high school senior, and continued working with us when he went to college. Learn how Josh has experienced our growth and what working with CreateAccess has meant for his own development. 

Reflecting on Two Years of Growth with CreateAccess