Zack Porter is an alumnus of WPSD and currently a team leader at Amazon. He oversees several departments specializing in returns, shipping and logistics. WPSD had chance to site down with Mr. Porter to discuss a variety of topics, including how WPSD helped prepare him for success and the advice he would share with upcoming graduates.
When did you start at WPSD?
Fall of 2000
I believe you came from a mainstream program to WPSD – how would you compare your opportunities there and at WPSD?
When I came from the mainstream school, I had an exposure to the hearing world. However, throughout my school years at the mainstream, I had felt that I needed to explore my Deafness. I had requested to enroll in WPSD. At WPSD, I had such wonderful exposure to Deaf culture and opportunities. I practiced ASL as the years went by. I am proud of my linguistic prowess regarding my ability to translate ASL and English for my peers. WPSD taught me this skill.
What are your fondest memories of WPSD?
Academic Bowl team. Absolutely my favorite moments. I love history, science and biology topics! One day at a WPSD academic bowl tournament at MSSD, I was rather proud that I scored higher than anyone else in the history section. After the event, I had a wonderful, friendly debate with different school peers at a social event.
How did WPSD help prepare you for life and work? You were a very good wrestler, I understand? You also played soccer and track, correct? How did those experiences shape you as a person?
- I wrestled at my mainstream school.
- I played soccer, track and field, and was on the academic bowl and cheerleading teams.
- I was told by our guidance counselor and assistant principal that if I did not pull my grades up and do my homework, I’d live on social welfare for the rest of my life. That was a wake up call for me. I apply that experience when working with my team at Amazon. I encourage my associates to push the envelope, even though mistakes may be made in the process. I would not get mad at them. Making mistakes is a part of the learning process. Being a leader is also a learning process.
- When I cooked food with my Home Ec teacher, I absolutely loved it. This was a seed being planted within me. I grew to be a thriving cook.
What have you been up to sine graduating from WPSD?
I went to Gallaudet University prior to being hired to work at a Hyatt Hotel. I worked in the banquet kitchen under a French chef, Jean Claude Plihon. He taught me patience, leadership, and so much more.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
There were many accomplishments of which I am proud. But one that comes to mind is being the first Deaf leader in the North America fulfillment center under Amazon. I have no idea what floodgates it would open. My superiors said people with various types of disabilities has begun to take and I had inspired approximately six other Deaf peers throughout America to partake in the leadership program. I recently had a Deaf person reach out from Minnesota wanting to be a leader. I touched base with that person. I gave advice, including ways to be the strongest leader of the group without being too aggressive. We had a great chat about this. I look forward to seeing that person grow.
What advice would you give to current and future WPSD students?
- Deaf people can do everything, except hear. That’s all I have to say.
- Always network, network, network, network. Networking goes a long way.
- The world may seem to be in a state of disrepair. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have chance to make it much better for others. Step up and spearhead rights and opportunities for the people around you. All involved will reap the benefits.
The article was published on Western Pennsylvanian newsletter, Volume 131, No. 2, Winter 2018.