Xavier, GLTS Senior, Carpenter

I like building and don’t like sitting behind a desk so going into construction is definitely a good fit. And then once I decided on construction, I realized I prefer working outdoors so I chose carpentry over electrical or plumbing—most plumbing is definitely indoors.

Learning the concepts easy. What’s hard is the physicality of lifting rafters—it takes a lot of power to lift roof rafters. I’m proud that I’ve stuck through it all and doing my part. And now I really like framing—seeing it all coming together. I worked hard on the second floor flooring, the attic floor and of course those heavy roof rafters!

The snow was a pain last winter. Your fingers get freezing and at the time the duplex was still open, so it was really cold. But not only the cold, you have to shovel it all out after every storm. That’s a lot of work.

Mr. Magee is a great teacher—one of the best teachers I’ve had. He’s the one that really taught us how to plumb walls, put a header over doors, show us step-by-step what needs to be done. Plus he’s a funny guy.

I’m about to go on co-op, so while I won’t be on this site learning from Mr. Magee, I will be earning money for the work. That’ll be good. 

Before Senior year I used to wrestle, play football, participate on track. With Covid those are all up-in-the air, right now as there aren’t any sports. This has been a really different school year. I’m planning on college next year. I would like to get a 4-year degree in either business or in construction management. I’ve sent in all my early action college applications, and now it’s time to wait.