“They all say that it gets better, It gets better, but what if I don’t?” That line hit me like a punch to the gut the first time I heard Olivia Rodrigo’s “teenage dream.” It wasn’t just a lyric—it felt like a confession I’d never said out loud. In a sea of songs about growing up, this one finally voiced the quiet fear that always lingered in the back of my mind: what if everyone else gets it together, but I stay stuck? Being a teenager often feels like standing at the edge of a cliff, staring down into the unknown. You’re told that things will eventually fall into place, that the pain, confusion, and self-doubt will all be stepping stones to a better version of yourself. But when you’re in the middle of it—when your chest tightens over grades, friendships, expectations, and your own insecurities—it’s hard to believe any of that. Olivia’s lyric captures that exact feeling. It’s not dramatic; it’s just honest. It’s the kind of honesty that makes you feel seen, even if you wish you didn’t relate so much. For me, high school wasn’t some cinematic coming-of-age story. It was awkward lunches, comparing myself to people who seemed like they had it all figured out, and constantly questioning if I was enough. I felt like I was trying on versions of myself every day, hoping one would finally feel right. But none of them quite fit. Everyone around me seemed to be growing into their skin while I was still searching for mine. That’s why the lyric resonates so deeply—it doesn’t promise some perfect future. It just acknowledges the very real fear that maybe, just maybe, you won’t change in the way you’re “supposed to.” And yet, there’s something strangely comforting in that vulnerability. Olivia isn’t pretending to have it all together, and by doing so, she gives space for the rest of us to admit we don’t either. That line becomes a mirror for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re falling behind in their own life. It reminds us that growing up isn’t linear, and sometimes, it’s okay to sit in the discomfort and uncertainty. That doesn’t make you broken—it just makes you human. Adolescence is a paradox. You’re told it’s the “best time of your life,” yet you’re constantly overwhelmed with pressure, expectations, and change. What makes “It gets better, but what if I don’t?” so powerful is that it puts into words the silent question many of us carry but are too scared to ask. It strips away the glossy filters and lets us see the mess for what it is.

Growing up with a father who was a proud member of Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), I developed a strong appreciation for the trades and the value of union work. His experience as a union electrician showed me the importance of skilled labor, the strength of collective bargaining, and the necessity of maintaining safe, respectful work environments. Watching him commit to his craft and support our family through hard work gave me not only admiration for the construction industry, but also a desire to be a part of it in a meaningful way. As I’ve explored different paths within construction, I’ve found myself most drawn to mechanical construction. This field, which encompasses HVAC systems, piping, and other essential mechanical systems, fascinates me for its mix of engineering, technology, and hands-on problem-solving. These systems are not only vital to the function and comfort of any building, but they also play a growing role in energy efficiency and sustainability. Mechanical construction requires both precision and creativity, and that challenge excites me. However, while I have a strong interest in the mechanical side of construction, my long-term goal is to become a construction manager. I want to take a leadership role in the building process—overseeing budgets, coordinating trades, ensuring schedules are met, and above all, maintaining high standards of safety and quality. I believe a great construction manager understands the work of every trade on-site and earns the respect of the crews by being both knowledgeable and approachable. My background and interests will allow me to communicate effectively with workers in the field while managing the big-picture responsibilities of a project. One area I feel particularly passionate about is improving safety standards on construction sites. While safety has improved significantly over the years, there are still too many preventable accidents happening every day. As a future construction manager, I want to be a leader in creating safer work environments by combining traditional safety protocols with innovative technologies. Wearable devices that monitor worker fatigue and motion, drones for hazardous inspections, and virtual reality training simulations could all be game-changers in preventing injuries. I would also prioritize regular safety meetings where workers are encouraged to speak up, suggest improvements, and feel ownership of the job site’s safety culture. Additionally, I believe that mental health needs to be part of the safety conversation. Long hours, high pressure, and physical strain can take a toll on workers. Promoting mental wellness and offering support services can help prevent accidents caused by stress, distraction, or fatigue. In conclusion, I am proud of my family’s connection to union work and deeply motivated to follow my own path in the construction industry. With a focus on mechanical construction and a goal of becoming a construction manager, I am committed to building projects that are not only efficient and high-quality but also safe and supportive for everyone involved. I look forward to leading with integrity, staying curious, and making a positive impact on every site I step onto.