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My very first
job after Laborers’ school was road and highway work. I built
Route 3 for Modern Continental. At first, there was the
challenge of being looked at as a woman, but I could do anything
a guy could do. I can’t pick up 250 pounds, but men can’t do
that either. I just had to be capable. That’s what it took to
be accepted. At first, they didn’t like having a woman around,
especially when I had to handle a jack hammer. They would say,
“Let me do that.” But I’d grown up a tom boy. I could take care
of myself and they came to know and respect that.
Last year I
participated in a career day for high school girls. I was a
spokeswoman for all the area vocational schools. The goal was to
get more girls aware of and interested in the field of
construction. I explained to the girls how wonderful the union
apprentice program is and how we want to get more women into the
construction field. Why not? It’s great money. The benefits
are great. I don’t ever have to go to a gym to look good. And
you’re working outside. What’s not to like about that? |
