Two semesters, lots of hands-on projects, and a group of handy friends later, I officially have an Associate’s Degree in Construction!
When I first signed up for these classes, I wasn’t aiming for a degree. I was mostly curious and wanted to fulfill this desire or knowing within me that I would enjoy construction. I’d been eyeing these hands-on trades classes for awhile, but it wasn’t until I left my 9-5 that I finally had space in my schedule to pursue them. It was personal, practical, and just a little bit impulsive.
What I didn’t expect was how far I’d go in the program. I had one incredible teacher who taught many of the construction courses, is a general contractor, and a fellow knitter! Talk about life goals. And perhaps most unexpectedly, I found myself surrounded by a wonderful group of classmates who were funny, passionate, and supportive. Because I genuinely enjoyed learning new skills and spending time with this crew, I kept going. One class led to another and before long, we were all comparing notes on how many units we had left for a certificate or degree.
So… what does this degree mean for me? Well, I probably won’t be waking up at 6am to report to a job site anytime soon (been there, done that!). But now, I feel so much more confident in this space and my skillset. I know my way around a lumberyard. I understand how framing works. I can handle power tools. And DIY home renovation videos? They don’t feel like just a pipe dream anymore. I’ve already started putting these new skills to use on home projects of my own!
While this marks an amazing accomplishment and milestone, the chapter doesn’t end here. I’m already signed up for Advanced Framing this fall! 🪵👷🏻♀️
Leave a Comment