The trade that I am looking to pursue is Electrical. With a background in the entertainment industry as a Set Lighting Technician for nearly twenty years in Hollywood, CA. I have always aspired to learn and become a real, legit electrician over the course of working in the studios. Not a ‘fake’ electrician whom only installs and controls temporary power from generators or stage cans. Only following a few guidelines but never really knowing the true codes per the NEC (National Electrical Code). With the fallout from the Screenwriters & Actors strikes of 2023, as well as the poor business practices & decisions made from the studios and lack of tax incentives in the golden state the industry had all but moved on to other states & countries. It has left a huge bulk of talented individuals with nothing. Being the center of the entertainment industry, Hollywood, it has become anything but that. Empty studios, unions with more members out of work than actually working and a government that became complacent & simply took for granted that Hollywood always had productions due to the nostalgic factor. The times changed quickly and the red carpet was pulled out from all of us. The realization that I needed to take control of my future & families future hit home pretty hard. My son, wife & family inspired me to go into the Electrical trade. Day in and day out while working in the studios I truly never felt complete. As my work was only recognized for entertainment purposes. Not for my community, not for my family and surely not for my own personal satisfaction. I felt empty even though I was very successful in my career. There was something missing and it was eating away at me. I feel one day God said now is your time to make the best out of your life. You did it your way and now its tine for me to show you My way. Become the electrician that you have always sought to be. Pursue the trade and doors will open. With my determination, skills, craftsmanship, work ethic, positive attitude and faith I have elevated myself to a whole new level. By simply applying & pushing myself daily to achieve my maximum potential while being humble, patient, grateful and respectful has shifted a new attitude within myself. Understanding what I have a true talent for and nourishing it slowly as I only become better in my new career. A trade is something that no one can take away from me. Knowing that there is such a demand for competent, qualified, skilled electricians makes me very eager and excited to enter the job market once again. Rebranding myself has made me dig deep in myself to fully devoted everything to my new adventure in life. Learning and understanding the concepts of such a diverse and ever-growing trade inspires me daily. Knowing that my commitment, sacrifices and willingness are driving for a better future for not only my family and community but for my own quality of life as well. True happiness comes from within. Now I feel my flame reignited and ready for any challenge the Lord has set out for me.

1. The trade that I am looking to pursue is Electrical. With a background in the entertainment industry as a Set Lighting Technician for nearly twenty years in Hollywood, CA. I have always aspired to learn and become a real, legit electrician over the course of working in the studios. With the fallout from the Screenwriters & Actors strikes of 2023, as well as the poor business practices & decisions made from the studios. It has left a huge bulk of talented individuals with nothing. Being the center of the entertainment industry, Hollywood, it has become anything but that. Empty studios, unions with more members out of work than actually working and a government that became complacent & simply took for granted that Hollywood always had productions due to the nostalgic factor. The times changed quickly and the red carpet was pulled out from all of us. The realization that I needed to take control of my future & families future hit home pretty hard. 2. My personal goals for becoming an electrician include obtaining my journeyman card and hopefully my C-10 license. By completing an apprenticeship through an employer, it will allow me to be recognized for my skill level. Being able to perform the industry level standards needed on the job site. Which will help advance me in my career as an electrician. Moving up the ladder and pushing myself to my maximum potential. As well as allowing the option to relocate out of my current state to a state that we feel is best for our family and our quality of life. Ultimately creating a level of quality assurance with my future employers and clients. Understanding and knowing the different categories/niches in the electrical field allows me to have a step forward when pursuing my next challenge. Being well rounded in as many niches as possible makes me a sought-out employee compared to my colleagues. As well as having more confidence to get the job done correct the first time. All of which are helping mold and shape me to my maximum potential. Having an optimistic and open state of mind aids in overcoming any obstacle on or off the job site. 3. The time in my life when I overcame adversity is when I joined I.A.T.S.E. local 728, Set Lighting Technician’s. With not having any connections, I had to prove to everyone that I was meant to be there. With no one to vogue for me I was often given the hardest and most challenging tasks per the various crews I worked for. Throughout my lifetime I’ve come to understand that it’s not about the end solution but the course that life takes you to get there. Using my skills and knowledge of my surroundings. Utilizing the tools and materials provided to me as well as my experience in making something out of nothing. Whether its transporting gear from one hazardous location to another, installing lighting in peculiar spots, running cables through the impossible and creating various devices. The slogan goes, ‘Today’s miracle is tomorrow’s expectation.’ Having a niche with Arts & Crafts also helps the creativity when trying to solve a lighting issue. Controlling light, securing lights to practically anything with only tape and zip ties. Knowing the limits of your materials allows you to approach the problem with your best solution. Not having more than just one idea allows your creativity to expand and have a rounded understanding of the issue(s). Having patience, determination, perseverance, confidence and a positive attitude allows me to overcome the obstacles to solve the problem efficiently and professionally.

With being out of work since May 2023 due to the fallout from the Hollywood Actors & Writers strike I am very eager to get back to work. With my previous experience as a Set Lighting Technician in various roles for over fifteen years I feel more than ready to take on a new challenge. That is why I have decided to become a ‘real’ electrician. With such a high demand for electricity and the various applications its used to be created, maintained & enjoyed, I figured my skills & knowledge could transfer over easier than starting back at zero. My pride, work-ethic and craftsmanship have been in limbo due to the lack of work available. Nothing is more satisfying than an honest day's work with giving it your all. In addition to the obligation that I need to provide for my family. As my father had taught me. The pride of an American working man. My personal goals for becoming an electrician include obtaining my journeyman card and hopefully my C-10 license. By completing an apprenticeship through an employer, it will allow me to be recognized for my skill level. Being able to perform the industry level standards needed on the job site. Which will help advance me in my career as an electrician. Moving up the ladder and pushing myself to my maximum potential. As well as allowing the option to relocate out of my current state to a state that we feel is best for our family and our quality of life. Ultimately creating a level of quality assurance with my future employers and clients. Understanding and knowing the different categories/niches in the electrical field allows me to have a step forward when pursuing my next challenge. Being well rounded in as many niches as possible makes me a sought-out employee compared to my colleagues. As well as having more confidence to get the job done correct the first time. All of which are helping mold and shape me to my maximum potential. Having an optimistic and open state of mind aids in overcoming any obstacle on or off the job site. Since the start of the strike back in May of 2023 my financial responsibilities & obligations to my family have been dissipated. My financial stress has increased since deciding to switch careers and becoming an electrician. With the winnings I will be able to focus more on school, my new career objectives and be able to enjoy my free time with my family. My educational goals include: perfect attendance, president’s list (97% GPA or higher) and becoming a student ambassador for the Electrical Technician program @ UEI. All of these which I have successfully achieved. I have been also nominated as Valedictorian for the Electrical Technician program with a class just over one hundred and fifty students. With the earnings from this scholarship I will be able to have less stress on paying my student financial debt. The risings costs of utilities, groceries, gas and the overall cost of living places a large burden on a young family in Los Angeles. Trying to simply stay afloat means sacrificing many things that we once took for granted. For instance, going out to eat is now reserved for very special occasions. Since the start of my education I have been visiting a local food bank which has become my weekly routine. The simple generosity of others in our community has made me more grateful, humble and deeply appreciative for the small things in our life. It has reminded me to return the favor and help others that are in need whenever I am able to. It’s through the blessings of the Lord that we understand what we truly need in life. Appreciating them helps you focus on what your true purpose in life is. Understanding your needs over your wants really helps you stay grounded and true to yourself. Bringing to light what it really takes to get through life day in and day out. With some love and laughter, it keeps your spirit & mind free and able to live.

The trade that I am looking to pursue is Electrical. With a background in the entertainment industry as a Set Lighting Technician for nearly twenty years in Hollywood, CA. I have always aspired to learn and become a real, legit electrician over the course of working in the studios. Not a ‘fake’ electrician whom only installs and controls temporary power from generators or stage cans. Only following a few guidelines but never really knowing the true codes per the NEC (National Electrical Code). With the fallout from the Screenwriters & Actors strikes of 2023, as well as the poor business practices & decisions made from the studios and lack of tax incentives in the golden state the industry had all but moved on to other states & countries. It has left a huge bulk of talented individuals with nothing. Being the center of the entertainment industry, Hollywood, it has become anything but that. Empty studios, unions with more members out of work than actually working and a government that became complacent & simply took for granted that Hollywood always had productions due to the nostalgic factor. The times changed quickly and the red carpet was pulled out from all of us. The realization that I needed to take control of my future & families future hit home pretty hard. My son, wife & family inspired me to go into the Electrical trade. Day in and day out while working in the studios I truly never felt complete. As my work was only recognized for entertainment purposes. Not for my community, not for my family and surely not for my own personal satisfaction. I felt empty even though I was very successful in my career. There was something missing and it was eating away at me. I feel one day God said now is your time to make the best out of your life. You did it your way and now its tine for me to show you My way. Become the electrician that you have always sought to be. Pursue the trade and doors will open. With my determination, skills, craftsmanship, work ethic, positive attitude and faith I have elevated myself to a whole new level. By simply applying & pushing myself daily to achieve my maximum potential while being humble, patient, grateful and respectful has shifted a new attitude within myself. Understanding what I have a true talent for and nourishing it slowly as I only become better in my new career. A trade is something that no one can take away from me. Knowing that there is such a demand for competent, qualified, skilled electricians makes me very eager and excited to enter the job market once again. Rebranding myself has made me dig deep in myself to fully devoted everything to my new adventure in life. Learning and understanding the concepts of such a diverse and ever-growing trade inspires me daily. Knowing that my commitment, sacrifices and willingness are driving for a better future for not only my family and community but for my own quality of life as well. True happiness comes from within. Now I feel my flame reignited and ready for any challenge the Lord has set out for me.

Hello, my name is Zach Rasmussen. With a recent career change due to the fallout from the Screenwriter’s & Actor’s Strikes in Hollywood, CA. my outlook on life has changed for the better. With over twenty years in the entertainment industry, working specifically in the Set Lighting department, my skills and knowledge are transferring over to become an Electrical Technician. I have crafted my high-quality work ethic, high standard of performance, positive attitude and thirst for knowledge. I feel very optimistic & confident pursuing a new trade. Understanding the demand for qualified, competent and skilled technicians in the field makes me eager, focused and determined to perform to the best of my ability. I’m passionate on knowing & fulfilling the positive impacts the trade makes on the community, environment and my family. Providing for my family is what my father taught me and has shown me what it takes for a simple man to do just that. Loving, caring, providing and understanding are the principles I try to express daily. However, we know God has other plans for our lives than we might think. With the education & experience I am gaining I will be sharing my knowledge with others every day. Taking pride in one’s craft truly shows the dedication one has. With my craftsmanship, skills & passion for the trade my hard work will be enjoyed by generations to come. Once I complete the Electrical Technician program @ UEI-Reseda, I intend to have a job in the field. With being out of work since May 2023 I am very eager to get back to work. With my previous experience I feel more than ready to take on a new challenge. My pride, work-ethic and craftsmanship have been in limbo due to the lack of work available. However, with my new education and knowledge I feel a new wave of excitement, eagerness and energy overcoming me. My personal drive to succeed in my new career is very high. In addition, this scholarship will help relieve some financial stress from my daily life. Balancing school, family time, household chores & the daily challenges that occur in life has taught me to prioritize and to seize the moment. Through all of this it has pushed me to become a better father, husband, neighbor, friend and member of the community. I am able to conquer anything that I put my mind too, big or small. Nothing is more satisfying than an honest day's work with giving it your all. In addition to the obligation that I need to provide for my family. The pride of an American working man.

Hello, my name is Zach Rasmussen. I’m not your average student at the age of thirty-nine. However, with a recent career change due to the fallout from the Screenwriter’s & Actor’s Strikes in Hollywood, CA. my outlook on life has changed for the better. With over twenty years in the entertainment industry, working specifically in the Set Lighting department, my skills and knowledge are transferring over to become an Electrical Technician. Having crafted my high-quality work ethic, high standard of performance, positive attitude and thirst for knowledge, I feel very optimistic & confident pursuing a new trade. Understanding the demand for qualified, competent and skilled technicians in the field makes me eager, focused and determined to perform to the best of my ability. I’m passionate on knowing & fulfilling the positive impacts the trade makes on the community, environment and my family. Providing for my family is what my father taught me and has shown me what it takes for a simple man to do just that. Loving, caring, providing and understanding are the principles I express daily. However, we know God has other plans for our lives than we might think. Having the dream since my youth to move to California and pursue Hollywood. Being able to join IATSE Local 728, Set Lighting Technicians Union opened many opportunities for me. It allowed me to raise my family and purchase a home with my wife’s & I’s hard work and dedication to our crafts. Knowing that I have a passion for the electric trade has allowed me to transfer into schooling and thrive for the knowledge. With the education & experience I am gaining I will be sharing it with others every day. Seeing my hard work come to fruition has been awesome. I have been awarded Ambassador at UEI College-Reseda, CA., for the Electrician Technician program. Since day one I have been helping my fellow classmates better understand the material. I have been complimented many times that I should be an instructor. With my skills I have started my own social media accounts as Zap Zach to display our work and knowledge. Another resource for my class mates to see the work we performed and were assigned for that specific lab. As well as the proper installations required per the NEC code. In addition, any tricks and secrets I have picked up through life. Being able to share one’s knowledge, skills & tricks with others is the greatest reward one can give to their self. Taking pride in one’s craft truly shows the dedication one has. With my craftsmanship, skills & passion for the trade my hard work will be enjoyed by generations to come. Being an electrician and specializing in a utility service, that provides to my community their daily needs of electricity. Each day delivering my optimal performance, attitude and appreciation for the craft and the people that have given me an opportunity. Being humble yet grateful for the lessons & experiences that I have gone through my life, sharing those stories with others to help motivate them to be the best that they can be in their community. All it takes is one person with a purpose for the better. With the ever-growing demand for electricity the opportunities for success grows daily. Especially with the rise of alternative energy. This is a field I would like to pursue and fully understand the opportunities it has to make planet earth a more habitable planet. From wind, solar and water. The time is now to adapt better solutions to be able to enjoy life to its fullest.

Growing up in Minnesota taught me a lot about personal character. Being able to endure the four seasons and keep a very humble sense of mind. Thus the ‘Minnesota Nice.’ In addition to being able to try a variety of outdoor & indoor activities. With a passion for the original band Sublime and surfing I set my dreams to California. Upon graduating from Minneapolis Community & Technical College with a A.S. degree in Film making & Screen Writing in 2007 I relocated to Los Angeles, California. After a decade of working Non-Union productions I was fortunate enough to get on a show that ‘flipped’ union. I learned it’s not what you know, but who you know. I joined I.A.T.S.E. Local 728, Set Lighting Technicians, Hollywood, CA. in 2017. You can check out my name on IMDB.com to see what productions I have worked on, big & small. With being out of work since May 2023 due to the fallout from the Hollywood Actors & Writers strike I am very eager to get back to work. With my previous experience as a Set Lighting Technician in various roles for over fifteen years I feel more than ready to take on a new challenge. That is why I have decided to become a ‘real’ electrician. With such a high demand for electricity and the various applications its used to be created, maintained & enjoyed, I figured my skills & knowledge could transfer over easier than starting back at zero. My pride, work-ethic and craftsmanship have been in limbo due to the lack of work available. Nothing is more satisfying than an honest day's work with giving it your all. In addition to the obligation that I need to provide for my family. As my father had taught me. The pride of an American working man. With a recent change of my career I have little to fear of the future, for I know my work ethic will take me through with the Lord’s lead. Pursuing my dreams to relocate to California from Minnesota. Getting married to my wife, whom has taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined. Purchasing a home and being able to raise our son has been one of the greatest rewards of my work ethic. To be successful in a very tough entertainment industry has taught me one thing. Never stop trying. Failure is the best learning lesson for anyone. Every morning when I wake I remind myself to be grateful, humble, forgiving and loving. Without these I am unable to conquer the day and the challenges it brings. When presented with a task, chore, project etc. I commit my full energy, attention, knowledge and pride each & every time. My work ethic delivers a quality, satisfying & rewarding result. All through my life experiences and the lessons from my parents, bosses, co-workers, teachers, wife, son, family & friends. I’m a strong believer in whatever you contribute to something it shall reward you greater than your contribution. Understanding & accepting yourself for who you are is the greatest life lesson there is. Knowing your limits and pushing them allows you to define your character and ever grow more confident, yet staying humble is the key. Understanding the importance of your job may give one goosebumps, butterflies and the pure joy of knowing that your contributions have such a huge impact on one’s community. Although we are left in the shadows until the lights go out the gratitude that people express when the lights come on, is worth more than the paycheck.

Hello, my name is Zach Rasmussen. With a recent career change due to the fallout from the Screenwriter’s & Actor’s Strikes in Hollywood, CA. my outlook on life has changed for the better. With over twenty years in the entertainment industry, working specifically in the Set Lighting department, my skills and knowledge are transferring over to become an Electrical Technician. I have crafted my high-quality work ethic, high standard of performance, positive attitude and thirst for knowledge. I feel very optimistic & confident pursuing a new trade. Understanding the demand for qualified, competent and skilled technicians in the field makes me eager, focused and determined to perform to the best of my ability. I’m passionate on knowing & fulfilling the positive impacts the trade makes on the community, environment and my family. Providing for my family is what my father taught me and has shown me what it takes for a simple man to do just that. Loving, caring, providing and understanding are the principles I try to express daily. However, we know God has other plans for our lives than we might think. With the education & experience I am gaining I will be sharing my knowledge with others every day. Taking pride in one’s craft truly shows the dedication one has. With my craftsmanship, skills & passion for the trade my hard work will be enjoyed by generations to come. Once I complete the Electrical Technician program @ UEI-Reseda, I intend to have a job in the field. With being out of work since May 2023 I am very eager to get back to work. With my previous experience I feel more than ready to take on a new challenge. My pride, work-ethic and craftsmanship have been in limbo due to the lack of work available. However, with my new education and knowledge I feel a new wave of excitement, eagerness and energy overcoming me. My personal drive to succeed in my new career is very high. In addition, this scholarship will help relieve some financial stress from my daily life. Balancing school, family time, household chores & the daily challenges that occur in life has taught me to prioritize and to seize the moment. Through all of this it has pushed me to become a better father, husband, neighbor, friend and member of the community. I am able to conquer anything that I put my mind too, big or small. Nothing is more satisfying than an honest day's work with giving it your all. In addition to the obligation that I need to provide for my family. The pride of an American working man.

Hello, my name is Zach Rasmussen. I’m not your average student at the age of thirty-nine. However, with a recent career change due to the fallout from the Screenwriter’s & Actor’s Strikes in Hollywood, CA. my outlook on life has changed for the better. With over twenty years in the entertainment industry, working specifically in the Set Lighting department, my skills and knowledge are transferring over to become an Electrical Technician. Having crafted my high-quality work ethic, high standard of performance, positive attitude and thirst for knowledge, I feel very optimistic & confident pursuing a new trade. Understanding the demand for qualified, competent and skilled technicians in the field makes me eager, focused and determined to perform to the best of my ability. I’m passionate on knowing & fulfilling the positive impacts the trade makes on the community, environment and my family. Providing for my family is what my father taught me and has shown me what it takes for a simple man to do just that. Loving, caring, providing and understanding are the principles I try to express daily. However, we know God has other plans for our lives than we might think. Having the dream since my youth to move to California and pursue Hollywood has been a mix of emotions. Being able to join I.A.T.S.E. Local 728, Set Lighting Technicians Union opened many opportunities for me. Being able to raise my family and purchase a home with my wife’s & I’s hard work and dedication to our crafts. However, by sacrificing family, friends and my own hobbies it allowed me to be successful in the business. Knowing that I have a passion for the electric trade has allowed me to transfer into schooling and thrive for the knowledge. With the education & experience I am gaining I will be sharing my knowledge with others every day. Being able to share one’s knowledge, skills & tricks with others is the greatest reward one can give to their self. Taking pride in one’s craft truly shows the dedication one has. With my craftsmanship, skills & passion for the trade my hard work will be enjoyed by generations to come. Through this attitude the impact I will have on the community around me will be powerful. Each day delivering my optimal performance, attitude and appreciation for the craft and the people that have given me an opportunity. Being humble yet grateful for the lessons & experiences that I have gone through my life, sharing those stories with others to help motivate them to be the best that they can be in their community. All it takes is one person with a purpose for the better. With the ever-growing demand for electricity the opportunities for success grows daily. Especially with the rise of alternative energy. This is a field I would like to pursue and fully understand the opportunities it has to make planet earth a more habitable planet. From wind, solar and water. The time is now to adapt better solutions to be able to enjoy life to its fullest.

1. The trade that I am pursuing is Electrical. The fallout from the Writers & Actors Strikes in Hollywood have had a rippling effect on everyone involved in the trade. Being a I.A.T.S.E. Local 728 Set Lighting Technician, my network of employers have been out of work. The realization of my dependability, livelihood and future have been in serious consideration. Since enrolling into UEI-Reseda CA., my confidence, focus and attention have been in the upmost. Questioning my future no longer crosses my mind since enrolling into the Electrical Technician program. With each new skill I learn my trade is only strengthened. 2. With nearly twenty years into the Entertainment Industry, my realization occurred that my skills are only being utilized for someone’s entertainment and then they become trash. Sure, the gratitude & pride of accomplishment is there but other than that you did your job, here’s your check, go find a new job. You are an expendable. The reality that I needed to apply and challenge myself finally struck. Being an electrician enables one to literally go anywhere to apply their skill and be sought after. Working in the entertainment industry only allows you to be desirable when there is work available for you. Even though you may know more & have a higher skill level, it’s about who you know. Thus, I would rather apply my work-ethic, skills, knowledge, time and pride into a respected, rewarding trade. One that will be in demand for years to come. With the advancement of technology, renewable resources and lack of technicians needed. I am very confident in my career change that I will be successful. 3. Adapting to your environment is key to success and going home each night to your family. While having worked on various production sets from feature length and short films, episodic television/streaming, commercials, music videos & live events. I have learned to apply my skills to perform the duties required. From climbing an Announcer Booth scaffolding to change a burnt-out light moments before it goes live, to being told I will be the lighting programmer for the Live Broadcasted awards event. You must remember to stay calm, cool and in control. Trusting yourself is the key to overcome a stressful situation. I’ve erected LED lighting strips up to eight feet long, manufacturing LED device boxes that could run AC & DC power as well as having a color changing wheel on the face of the case. Designing Lighting setups for various productions. Programming stages for networking so the Lighting Programmer can control all the lights. Controlling on stages and on locations, wired & wireless. Troubleshooting electrical issues with lights, distribution boxes and devices, cables, scissor and boom lifts, as well as low-voltage applications. In addition to balancing lighting power loads on generators. I worked for J.L. Fisher Motion Picture Dollies open house for five years as the lead foreman for their annual open house. That involved leveling the various track to the blueprint that was designed for that year. Every year we came out spot on. It was rewarding. 4. With being out of work for over a year I am very eager to get back to work. The UEI-ET program is nine months. I just finished my module of Residential Applications. I plan to graduate at the end of October 2024. Having applied for my E.T. card my in-class hours are qualifying for my journey man license. With a job fair in June for the trades I plan on attending and networking as much as I can. In addition to taking pictures of Electrical Companies I see on the road. Once I finish the Residential Applications module I plan on starting my job hunt. 5. If you were to contact an adult that knew me well this is what they would have to say. “Zachary is a worker that I would always call on the top of my list. He is trustworthy to get the job done, right and on schedule. He does not cut corners for his quality of work and he is an honest, hardworking, family man. Whether the job is hard, complicated, under bad weather, he would still give you the best quality of work with a great attitude. You can’t go wrong. Best decision you can make. Zach’s ambition, personality, determination, confidence and work ethic has gotten himself where he is today. To have the grit to start back over is not for everyone. However, Zach will aspire to greatness, trust me. Rarely to come across someone with a smile, willingness to work & teach. The will power needed for what it takes to see the job through and all the meanwhile enjoying it. Rain or shine.”

Growing up in Minnesota taught me a lot about personal character. Being able to endure the four seasons and keep a very humble sense of mind. Thus the ‘Minnesota Nice.’ In addition to being able to try a variety of outdoor & indoor activities. With a passion for the original band Sublime and surfing I set my dreams to California. Upon graduating from Minneapolis Community & Technical College with a A.S. degree in Film making & Screen Writing in 2007 I relocated to Los Angeles, California. After a decade of working Non-Union productions I was fortunate enough to get on a show that ‘flipped’ union. I learned it’s not what you know, but who you know. I joined I.A.T.S.E. Local 728, Set Lighting Technicians, Hollywood, CA. in 2017. You can check out my name on IMDB.com to see what productions I have worked on, big & small. With being out of work since May 2023 due to the fallout from the Hollywood Actors & Writers strike I am very eager to get back to work. With my previous experience as a Set Lighting Technician in various roles for over fifteen years I feel more than ready to take on a new challenge. That is why I have decided to become a ‘real’ electrician. With such a high demand for electricity and the various applications its used to be created, maintained & enjoyed, I figured my skills & knowledge could transfer over easier than starting back at zero. My pride, work-ethic and craftsmanship have been in limbo due to the lack of work available. Nothing is more satisfying than an honest day's work with giving it your all. In addition to the obligation that I need to provide for my family. As my father had taught me. The pride of an American working man. With a recent change of my career I have little to fear of the future, for I know my work ethic will take me through with the Lord’s lead. Pursuing my dreams to relocate to California from Minnesota. Getting married to my wife, whom has taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined. Purchasing a home and being able to raise our son has been one of the greatest rewards of my work ethic. To be successful in a very tough entertainment industry has taught me one thing. Never stop trying. Failure is the best learning lesson for anyone. Every morning when I wake I remind myself to be grateful, humble, forgiving and loving. Without these I am unable to conquer the day and the challenges it brings. When presented with a task, chore, project etc. I commit my full energy, attention, knowledge and pride each & every time. My work ethic delivers a quality, satisfying & rewarding result. All through my life experiences and the lessons from my parents, bosses, co-workers, teachers, wife, son, family & friends. I’m a strong believer in whatever you contribute to something it shall reward you greater than your contribution. Understanding & accepting yourself for who you are is the greatest life lesson there is. Knowing your limits and pushing them allows you to define your character and ever grow more confident, yet staying humble is the key. Understanding the importance of your job may give one goosebumps, butterflies and the pure joy of knowing that your contributions have such a huge impact on one’s community. Although we are left in the shadows until the lights go out the gratitude that people express when the lights come on, is worth more than the paycheck.

Success defined to me is the achievement of accomplishing a goal/dream and knowing that you contributed your best for your victory. The internal satisfaction is greater than any material object. It helps to build & define your character. Building self-esteem, work-ethic, life management skills & personal satisfaction. Self-esteem builds confidence to undertake any challenge. When I set my mind on a task, project or even a new career I remind myself of how far I have gotten along this road of life and remind myself to be me. Keeping my confidence in check is another element I have learned to balance as well. You never stop learning. With every opportunity to learn a new skill and or trade I devote my full attention to it. Learning from your mistakes is also a very important trait. Your character is defined even greater when one can admit their mistakes and be humble about it. I take full responsibility of my errors and correct them to the best of my ability. Amongst your peers this gains respect and new conversations. This only inspires me to explore and educate myself more on unknown subjects. Work-ethic is shaped by your attitude and hard work. Attitude is everything. Keeping a positive outlook on life and the daily tasks one endures contributes to a whole healthy wellness of living. Stress kills & brings negative thoughts and actions. Curbing these is the key to understanding your long-term goal as well. Enjoying your career is the key to a positive attitude, to where your career is enjoyable and not daunting. Hard work is built by the determination, sacrifice and commitment of an individual. Giving it your all, day in and day out, despite the circumstances. Thus, building your pride. Life management skills are vital for one’s success. Balancing the priorities, responsibilities and simple well-being in one’s life is very daunting at times. Thus, taking one step at a time and committing your full energy and attention to the task will help conquer the day. Balancing my family life, school, house hold tasks and personal responsibilities has allowed me to be successful in life. Knowing the outcomes of your actions is key to overall happiness and personal satisfaction with one self. Personal satisfaction is the reward from contributing your very best & accepting your contributions. One may have a higher bar of personal satisfaction than others, thus is what I strive for. Enjoying the fruits of my labor with my family; wife and son, is the greatest reward I continuously strive for. Relaxing on the porch, chatting with my wife and being entertained from my son is the perfect reward for me. Achieving my opportunity of success will be in the Lord’s control. My preparation will be rewarded with an opportunity to prove my skills. Having worked as a Set Lighting Technician, I.A.T.S.E. Local 728, in various roles though out my career I have learned to adapt. With the unfortunate ongoing fallout from the Writers & Actors Strikes of 2023, my mindset has shifted drastically. It is now focused on providing for my family, raising my son and managing our house and lives. Having achieved my goal of becoming a Set Lighting Technician has reminded me that anything is possible. With going back to school at UEI-Reseda, CA. Being enrolled in the Electrical Technician program to be a ‘Real Electrician’ I have a new purpose in life. Every day I wake with a joy and pride that I’m making a life decision for the better. Not only for myself but for my family and generations to come. Having a trade under your belt is something no one else can take from you. Especially with such a high demand for electricity these days.