Why are you passionate about pursuing a future in the Construction or Skilled Trades fields? I’ve always liked working with my hands and being outside. Sitting behind a desk just never felt right for me. I enjoy physical work, problem-solving, and being part of a team that builds or fixes things that people rely on every day. The skilled trades give me a chance to do work that matters and that I can take pride in. I like the idea that I’ll be able to drive by a building, road, or system and know I helped build or repair it. That kind of work feels real to me. Every day brings something different, and I like that you’re always learning and improving your skills. I also like how the trades offer a clear path to growth through hard work and experience. The trades allow me to stay active, think critically, and build something lasting. That combination of physical and mental work really motivates me. Who has influenced you the most to pursue this path? The person who influenced me the most is my dad. He is an operations manager and showed me what it means to work hard, be reliable, and take pride in your job. Growing up, I saw him go to work every day with a sense of responsibility and dedication. Even when he was tired, he gave his best. He didn’t just talk about work ethic, he showed it through his actions. On weekends, we’d often work on small projects around the house, and that’s when I really started to enjoy using tools and figuring out how things work. Those moments taught me that skilled work is something to respect. Watching him take pride in his work made me want to follow a path where I could feel the same way. How do you plan to make a positive impact on the world through your career? I want to be someone people can count on, especially when things go wrong. Tradespeople play an important role in keeping things running, and I want to be part of that. I know this work can be challenging, but I’m ready to take it on. I also hope to one day mentor younger people entering the trades, just like others have helped guide me. I believe in doing the job right, helping others, and being someone who makes a difference through hard work and dedication.

I am currently in my senior year of high school and have been accepted into Northwest Lineman School (California). I plan to complete my training in the 5 1/2 weeks as scheduled, starting August 8th of this year. After that, I plan to apply to all available jobs within an hour and a half of Roseville. If I don’t get hired within a year, I will travel out of state for work. It was a crisp morning on the outskirts of the city, where rows of newly built homes stood waiting for their final touches. That day, our crew from Roseville Electrical Operations was tasked with installing streetlights. I had been interning with the linemen for a few months, learning the ropes, but this was my chance to step up. As we arrived on-site, I took the initiative to organize the workflow. I helped direct the placement of each base and post, ensuring that every piece was where it needed to be. When the apprentice operating the auger began drilling the holes, I stepped in to guide him, making sure each hole was positioned correctly and met the required depth. My role wasn’t just to assist—I was actively problem-solving, adjusting plans as needed, and keeping the process moving efficiently. It wasn’t all easy. We ran into equipment hiccups and had to be meticulous about ensuring each streetlight was level. At one point, I stepped away to start staging bases and posts to speed up our repetitive tasks. That experience reinforced my confidence in taking charge and leading by action. I learned that leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about anticipating needs, stepping up when challenges arise, and keeping the team focused on the goal. I am truly grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to work alongside such hardworking men who take pride in their trade.