"A passing comment can change your life.

I was 29 years old, changing tires at Costco for $14 per hour. There had to be more for me, but I couldn't picture it or see a pathway there. A glazier friend was repairing a window at my grandmother's house. We got to talking, and he asked what I was doing for work. It was 2008 and there were no jobs, so I was grateful to have the Costco gig.

He said, 'Look into the IBEW,' and I said, 'What's that?' I Googled it and saw the medical insurance and pension, and I thought I would do anything to have that sort of stability.

At the time, I was in Kansas City, so I applied to Local 124. They took only 11 students in 2008, and I was one of them. I was very lucky and grateful to have made the cut.

The summer after my third year, I moved to the Bay Area. I have lots of family there, and my aunt wasn't doing well. I thought being closer to her would be good for both of us. I called every local, and San Mateo Local 617 said yes.

Kathleen Barber was the training director there at the time. We connected over the phone and had a meaningful conversation. When I saw her at the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference, I convinced her to take a chance on me. I will be forever grateful to her for giving me that opportunity.

Today I work with Cupertino Electric and have a great career. I'm also an instructor for the first-year apprenticeship at the JATC and have taught for about nine years.

Through the IBEW, I've secured a bright future for myself. I've built myself into a highly respected leader and mentor, as well as an experienced tradeswoman. I own my own home in the Bay Area and three rental properties. The IBEW gave me a solid foundation and launched a career that has exceeded my wildest expectations.

Before joining the IBEW, I went to college and played soccer at the University of Texas at El Paso. I didn't finish my degree. I'm smart and capable, but higher ed isn't a learning environment where I thrive. A lot of the apprentices I train have had similar experiences. I explain to would-be members that it's OK. You don't need a college degree to earn a good wage, own properties, take care of your family and secure your retirement.

I'm proud to be a member of the IBEW. The union opened the pathway to the 'more' I wanted in 2008, and I want others to know that this is possible for them, too."