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Hector cardona

515

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My name is Hector Cardona Jr., and I’m an aspiring lineman with a passion for hands-on work and making a difference in my community. Growing up, I worked alongside my father, a skilled carpenter, which taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and taking pride in a job well done. While I learned a lot from carpentry, I realized that my true passion lies in becoming a lineman. I’m drawn to the physical and mental challenges of the job, especially knowing that linemen play a crucial role in keeping communities safe and connected. I’m working toward getting into the Southeast Lineman Training Center (SLTC) to develop the skills I need to respond to power outages and restore electricity during emergencies. For me, being a lineman isn’t just about maintaining power—it’s about providing comfort, safety, and reliability to people who depend on it. I’m excited to begin this journey and make a meaningful impact through my future career.

Education

Wake Forest High School

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Trade School

  • Majors of interest:

    • Construction Trades, Other
    • Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Construction

    • Dream career goals:

      To become a lineman

      Koehler Family Trades and Engineering Scholarship
      I am passionate about pursuing a career as a lineman because it allows me to combine my love for hands-on work with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on others. Becoming a lineman is more than just a job it’s a way to serve communities by providing a critical service that people rely on every day. Electricity powers nearly every aspect of modern life, and being part of the team responsible for maintaining and restoring it gives me a deep sense of purpose. Knowing that my work can directly impact people’s safety, comfort, and well-being motivates me to pursue this career with passion and determination. My upbringing and life events have played a significant role in shaping who I am today and why I’ve chosen this path. Growing up, I worked closely with my father, a highly skilled carpenter, and through him, I learned the value of hard work, dedication, and pride in what you do. Watching him create beautiful, functional structures from raw materials was inspiring. He often included me in his projects, and the sense of accomplishment I felt when I could point to something and say, “I helped build that,” was unforgettable. These experiences instilled in me a love for working with my hands and a deep respect for the trades. However, while I admired my father’s craft, I knew carpentry wasn’t my passion. I wanted to pursue a trade that felt uniquely mine—something that was both challenging and impactful on a larger scale. When I discovered the lineman profession, I knew it was the perfect fit. The combination of physical and mental challenges, teamwork, and the responsibility of providing an essential service excited me. I was especially drawn to the idea of being part of a team that works together to solve problems and overcome obstacles. Watching videos of linemen restoring power in difficult conditions made me realize how important their work is and how much I wanted to be part of that mission. One life lesson that has shaped me is the importance of perseverance. Growing up, there were times when my family faced challenges, but my parents never gave up. My father, in particular, worked tirelessly to provide for us, even when times were tough. His determination taught me that hard work and resilience are key to achieving your goals, no matter the obstacles. This mindset has stayed with me and is one of the reasons I know I’ll succeed as a lineman. I’m not afraid of hard work or putting in the time and effort needed to master my craft. Another lesson I’ve learned is the value of community and helping others. Through my upbringing, I came to understand that success isn’t just about personal achievements but about making a positive impact on those around you. As a lineman, I’ll have the opportunity to do just that—whether it’s restoring power after a storm or ensuring that critical services like hospitals and schools have the electricity they need to function. The idea of being able to help people in such a meaningful way is what drives me. In pursuing this career, I’m not just following a passion; I’m building a future where I can take pride in my work and give back to the community. My upbringing and life experiences have prepared me for this journey, teaching me the importance of hard work, resilience, and making a difference. I’m excited to take the next steps toward becoming a lineman and to start a career that reflects who I am and what I value
      John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
      Electricity powers our daily lives, from the lights in our homes to the life-saving equipment in hospitals. As a lineman, I will be responsible for maintaining and restoring this critical infrastructure. This responsibility is what draws me to the field knowing that my work can keep communities safe, comfortable, and functioning smoothly motivates me to pursue this career with passion. My interest in becoming a lineman stems from my appreciation for hands-on, physically demanding work that requires both skill and dedication. Growing up, I worked closely with my father, who is a skilled carpenter. I learned the value of craftsmanship, hard work, and taking pride in what you do. While carpentry taught me a great deal, I knew I wanted to pursue a trade that would allow me to make a broader impact on people’s lives. When I learned about the lineman profession, I was immediately drawn to it. The combination of physical work, technical problem-solving, and the ability to make a real difference in communities hit home for me. I desire to create an impact by ensuring that people have access to reliable electricity, especially in times of crisis. Whether it’s restoring power after a natural disaster or ensuring that power lines are functioning safely and efficiently, linemen are often on the front lines of keeping society running. I want to be part of a team that responds to these critical situations, knowing that my efforts directly impact people’s lives. In extreme weather or emergency situations, access to electricity can be the difference between life and death, and being able to contribute to that vital service is something I take very seriously. On a personal level, one of my main goals is to make my parents proud and build a life I can take pride in. My father’s dedication to his trade has always inspired me, and I want to follow in his footsteps by mastering my own craft. For me, success isn’t just about financial stability; it’s about doing work that matters and that I can feel proud of at the end of the day. Becoming a lineman will allow me to provide for my family while doing meaningful work that makes a real difference. I am also motivated by the sense of fulfillment that comes with contributing to my community. When power lines go down, it’s not just a minor inconvenience—entire neighborhoods, businesses, and essential services are affected. As a lineman, I will be able to restore normalcy and safety in those moments, which gives me a deep sense of purpose. I’m eager to face the challenges that come with this profession. Ultimately, my decision to become a lineman is rooted in a desire to make a difference. The technical skills, teamwork, and personal satisfaction that come with this trade make it the perfect fit for me. I’m excited to start this journey and look forward to building a career that I can take pride in, while serving my community in meaningful ways.
      Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship
      I would like to go to trade school because it offers the hands-on education and specialized training I need to pursue my dream of becoming a lineman. Trade schools provide a focused and practical approach to learning, which is exactly what I’m looking for. Unlike traditional four-year colleges, where much of the education is theoretical, trade schools concentrate on teaching the skills directly related to the profession I want to enter. For me, this is not only more efficient but also more engaging, as I’ve always been drawn to learning by doing rather than sitting in a classroom listening to lectures. Trade school will allow me to gain the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in a physically demanding and technically challenging career. As a lineman, I will need to understand how to work with electrical systems, climb poles safely, and troubleshoot problems under pressure. Trade schools, like the Southeast Lineman Training Center (SLTC), are specifically designed to provide this type of hands-on training, and I know that by attending, I’ll be able to start my career with the confidence and competence required to handle the challenges of the job. The specialized curriculum will help me develop the technical expertise necessary to perform in the field, while the practical experience will prepare me to work in real-world conditions. Another reason I want to go to trade school is that it offers a quicker and more direct path to a rewarding career. Instead of spending four years or more in college, I can complete my training in a shorter period and begin working in a career I’m passionate about. This allows me to enter the workforce sooner and start building a life where I can take pride in what I do. I’ve seen the benefits of skilled trades firsthand through my father, a carpenter, who taught me that a career based on skill and craftsmanship can provide both personal satisfaction and financial stability. Attending trade school will allow me to achieve similar success, but in a field that excites and motivates me. In addition, I’m drawn to trade school because it fosters a sense of community and teamwork. In the lineman profession, working together is critical for safety and success. Trade schools emphasize this by creating a collaborative learning environment where students rely on one another to master the skills needed for the job. By attending trade school, I’ll not only learn the technical aspects of my future career, but I’ll also develop the teamwork and communication skills necessary to thrive in the field. This aspect of trade school is particularly appealing to me because I know that in the lineman profession, your crew becomes your family. Overall, attending trade school is the best path for me to reach my goal of becoming a lineman. It will provide the hands-on training, practical experience, and career-focused education that I need to succeed. Trade school will equip me with the skills to enter the workforce quickly and confidently, and it will allow me to start a career that is both personally fulfilling and essential to the well-being of others.
      Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship
      Hello my name is Hector Cardona Jr. I am planning to study to become a lineman, and I’ve chosen this skilled trade because of the critical role linemen play in keeping communities connected and safe. Electricity is a fundamental part of our lives that many people don’t think twice about until it’s gone. It powers our homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools, making it an essential service that touches every aspect of modern life. The idea of being a lineman—someone who ensures that power is delivered to homes and restored during emergencies—greatly appeals to me. Knowing that I will be able to contribute to such an important part of society drives my passion for this career. I chose this career because it offers a unique combination of hands-on work, problem-solving, and teamwork. I’ve always enjoyed working outdoors and being physically active, and the challenges that come with being a lineman are exactly what I’m looking for. Whether it’s repairing lines after a storm or working in adverse conditions, the job demands physical endurance and mental toughness, which I find exciting. I also value the teamwork involved—linemen rely on each other to complete difficult tasks and ensure everyone’s safety, and that sense of camaraderie is something I’m eager to be part of. I believe I will be successful in this trade because I am hardworking, determined, and willing to learn. Growing up, I worked closely with my father, who is a skilled carpenter, and through him, I gained a strong work ethic and an appreciation for hands-on trades. Working with my father taught me how to problem-solve, stay focused on the task at hand, and take pride in the work I do. These skills, along with my drive to constantly improve, will help me succeed as a lineman. I am also motivated by the impact this job will have on people’s lives. During emergencies, linemen are often the first responders, working to restore power to homes and critical infrastructure. Being able to help people in those situations will push me to do my best every day. For me, a successful life is one where I can take pride in my work, support my family, and make a positive difference in my community. Success isn’t just about personal achievements but about contributing to something bigger than myself. Becoming a lineman will allow me to lead a fulfilling life, knowing that my work is essential to others. I will be successful because I have clear goals, the determination to achieve them, and a strong desire to serve others through my work.
      Rod Tucci Memorial Scholarship
      My name is Hector Cardona Jr., and I’m working toward becoming a lineman. Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to hands-on work that makes a real difference. Growing up, I spent countless hours working alongside my father, who is a talented carpenter. Watching him build structures from the ground up taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and pride in craftsmanship. I loved being able to look at a finished project and say, "I helped build that." Those experiences shaped my desire to pursue a career that’s both physically challenging and deeply rewarding. However, while I gained valuable skills working with my father, I knew carpentry wasn’t my true calling. I wanted something that felt more exciting and impactful on a larger scale. That’s when I discovered the lineman trade. Watching videos of linemen climbing 30-foot poles and working in high-stress environments made me realize this is what I wanted to do. The physicality, teamwork, and adrenaline rush that comes with the job are all things I am eager to embrace. But beyond that, I’m driven by the fact that linemen play an essential role in modern society. Electricity is something most people take for granted, but it’s vital for nearly every aspect of daily life. From keeping homes warm during a winter storm to ensuring hospitals have the power they need to save lives, electricity can mean the difference between comfort and crisis. As a lineman, I will be part of the backbone that keeps communities functioning. Knowing that my work could directly affect people's safety and well-being motivates me to pursue this career with passion and dedication. I plan to make a difference by being part of a team that responds to power outages and emergencies, especially in times of disaster. When hurricanes, floods, or fires damage infrastructure, linemen are often the first responders to restore power and bring a sense of normalcy back to affected areas. I see myself not just as someone working with wires and poles but as someone contributing to the safety, comfort, and resilience of communities. Additionally, I believe the evolving nature of the power industry presents opportunities for innovation. As technology advances, linemen will need to adapt to new methods and tools, and I am eager to grow with these changes. My goal is to make a meaningful impact through my career by being both a reliable team member and someone who constantly seeks improvement in my craft. Ultimately, becoming a lineman will allow me to lead a fulfilling life where my work matters, not just to me but to countless others. This is more than a career choice—it’s a way to make a real difference, and I’m ready to take on that responsibility.
      Track to the Trades
      Winner
      Hello, my name is Hector Cardona Jr. I want to be a Lineman one day, and this scholarship could help me get into Southeast Lineman Training Center (SLTC). Linemen are essential to society—many people do not know where electricity comes from, they just expect the lights to turn on with a flick of a switch. Even this laptop I’m writing on is powered by the electricity that linemen help deliver. For some, electricity is not just a convenience—it’s a matter of life or death. The fact that linemen play such a crucial role in making everyday life possible is what drives me toward this career. Knowing that I could help keep people safe from the cold or heat motivates me, and it’s why I’m committed to becoming a lineman. The Generosity I hope to bring to this profession goes beyond providing power—it's about serving my community during critical times. Whether it's restoring power after a storm or responding to emergencies, linemen are there when people need them most. That’s the kind of difference I want to make in people’s lives. One of my biggest goals is to make my parents proud. Chasing my dream of becoming a lineman and contributing to my community feels far more fulfilling than spending my life behind a desk. I want to take Pride in my work, and I believe that restoring power after natural disasters or resolving simple outages will give me a sense of purpose. My career choice aligns with the value of Respect—respect for the skills and knowledge required, for the safety of my coworkers, and for the trust the community places in us. My father is a carpenter, and I’ve never seen anyone more skilled. Growing up, I would work with him and feel a sense of accomplishment when we completed a project. The time spent with my father taught me Respect—for hard work, craftsmanship, and the bond we formed working side by side. Though I loved those lessons, I knew carpentry wasn’t my path. When I found out about the linemen trade and saw videos of them climbing 30-foot poles, I felt an adrenaline rush. I knew this was what I wanted to do. Watching linemen work also showed me the importance of Teamwork. They rely on each other in dangerous situations, trusting that their crew has their back. That camaraderie, combined with the physical and mental toughness it takes to be a lineman, is exactly what I’m looking for. Teamwork is essential for this job, and it’s a value I’m eager to embrace. Finally, Innovation is another core value that stands out to me in this career. The power industry is constantly evolving, and as a lineman, I will have the opportunity to adapt and grow with new technologies and techniques, ensuring that people’s lives are powered reliably and efficiently. This scholarship will help me take my first steps toward becoming a lineman and embodying the values of Generosity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork in every aspect of my work. Thank you for considering my application.