Changing career fields can be challenging, but Lety S. is a shining example of how this can work out for the better. Lety fell in love with woodworking in a middle school class, but unfortunately, woodshop courses were not available in her high school. With carpentry no longer feeling accessible to her, she figured pursuing it was a lost cause. After graduation, she made her way working the jobs she could to get through.
20 years - and a full life reset - later, Lety took a position at a family-owned woodshop as a painter, and her love of woodworking was reignited. Eventually, the business moved up to North Florida, and while the job was a significantly better fit for Lety’s goals, it brought a major pay cut. Being a single mother of three, relocating for this job was not a possibility for Lety and her family. It was back to the drawing board.
Fortunately, Lety came across one of BHH’s advertisements, promoting a free Carpentry program. She knew completing this program would allow her to both follow her passion and provide a secure financial future for her and her family. Shortly after, she began the Carpentry program offered through BHH’s partnership with Atlantic Technical College.
Lety has fully embraced her program, and the new path it’s leading her on. A proud life-long learner, she boldly pushes forward in asking questions, trying new things, and learning her style and improving techniques with woodworking. “I’m slowly turning my one-car garage into a woodshop,” she said.
After finishing her program in August, Lety hopes to work in framing - designing and constructing the very foundations of walls and roofs for homes and buildings. She also wants to refurbish furniture in her ever-growing workshop to save it from the landfill and give it new life. Her ultimate dream is to recover and redress historical structures, which she described as an excellent way to put her skills and knowledge to the test as she continues to learn. “As a mother, I am a teacher. I have to always remain a student of my craft,” she said. “I am truly appreciative and thankful to be able to provide for myself and my family, as well as for the hands-on learning and knowledge I have gained.”
