"I was a hairstylist right after high school, thinking that would be my career for the rest of my life. After eight years, having been laid off due to the pandemic, I realized that it was not my true calling. I was working 50 hours a week with barely any days off, back-to-back open-to-close shifts. It was the most stressful time of my life, and after working at a beauty store with no promise of being a manager, I left the cosmetology field completely.

While working at the beauty store, I'd started researching options like college or other trade schools. My husband, a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 219, could see how unhappy I was with my schedule and that I wasn't learning any skills. He suggested that I look into the industrial trades. His cousin recommended the IBEW's VDV apprenticeship.

When I didn't get in on my first try, I was determined to find anything I could do to gain experience. I heard about an opportunity to work at a solar farm in Lena, Ill., and while I knew it would be very different than what I was used to, I ended up enjoying it way more than cutting hair. I finally felt recognized and was able to learn through hands-on experience, meeting some amazing people who have been very helpful on my journey. I got the call after my second interview and became a member in July 2024.

I've been working as an apprentice since then, and I have a great sense of satisfaction from my work. I'm bettering myself every day, learning new skills all the time. Overall, I can go home knowing that I finished work that needed to be done. And a lot of people are rooting for me, which feels great. Even though it's more challenging work than what I'm used to, I just love it.

Being an IBEW member has helped my marriage because my husband and I can spend more time together. I go to work every day without worrying about losing my job if I didn't sell enough products that day or needed a day off that I was unlikely to get, even with advance notice. Now, even though I sometimes do work 50 hours a week, I know my schedule. I can focus more on learning my trade and actually save money every month to be able to plan things for the year.

Before, it was like no one wanted to teach me anything and I felt like I was a burden to people. Now, even though I'm new here, people say, 'Look how much she's done.' I'd never really had praise at a job before, and it's a good feeling.

I always thought I'd be one of just a few women on jobsites, but with every job I've seen more and more. I hope one day I can go to schools or conventions and talk to more girls about joining. I love my career, and I'm so glad I went back for my second interview."