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On the Outside, Lookin' In
When I first heard about my cousin's experience in YouthBuild St. Louis/Soulard it most definitely sounded like a great idea. However, when I thought about participating in it myself, I knew it would require a lot of hard work for me to succeed. My cousin told me how he had worked for his GED test and how he had learned construction trade skills. He had known that he had to learn more about math, science and social studies to prepare him for the GED exam. While attending YouthBuild, he also acquired carpentry skills. YouthBuild helped to prepare him for the future he wanted.
I came to see that getting my GED certificate could help me is to get a better job. I came to appreciate how the construction trade training could be very important to me if I want a job in construction. Mixing cement, framing, and hanging drywall are three of many construction trades that I might still want to be in. When I go on a real construction job out of YouthBuild I might be asked to do something different. It a hard job but somebody's got to do
Another reason I thought YouthBuild could help me is that I sensed that it would be hard for me. I had dropped out of high school because I didn't like attending class after class and having to get credits. However, YouthBuild was structured differently by having one or two classes. I knew I could succeed there. Yes, YouthBuild would help me. I also came to see how getting my GED certificate could help me to be a better parent. So, when my son asks me "did you get your diploma?" I can say yes. I also can help him with his own homework if he need it.
When I see my cousin, I want to thank him for telling me about YouthBuild. I am glad I joined because I gained job skills and my GED. My future in construction is headed in the right direction thanks to getting my GED certificate and learning a construction trade at YouthBuild. If anyone were to ask me about participating in YouthBuild, I would tell them if I can do it, you can do it.
The author is a twenty-one year cement mason in the construction field.
