It's still pretty chilly in the morning here in the Mile High. I didn't wear my Steeler vest because I didn't wanna make any waves today. I'm here to help and to learn. So I grab a patch of sun while the GC goes through the job site rules and regs with the crowd of 40 + volunteers. He offers the choice of interior work, or hanging siding. I hang back, waiting for the interior assignments. Good thing too.....I end up on Allyson's crew.
Allyson. Tiny little woman, really. Both her Staff sweatshirt and her cuffed khakis are totally overrun with paint, sawdust and dirt. Her tool belt is worn and looks very comfortable hanging around her hips. Hair pulled up in a wanna-be ponytail under a dirty green hardhat that's spot-sprayed with neon orange paint. She puts us all at ease almost immediately with her easy demeanor and understated confidence. This is no Roughneck Diva. Allyson is a Boss. As she tells me about her own journey into construction, it becomes apparent she loves what she does.
She agrees to let me shadow her today. For the next 6 hours, I am alternately in the kitchen with Allyson, or waiting my turn for instruction from Allyson. This is not a bad thing. She is very patient with all of us, and gives everyone all the time they need to understand her instructions. I make my very first cuts with a circular saw with Allyson watching sharply. She walks me through my installation so thoroughly I don't even realize I have done most of it by myself. Confidence soaring, I head down to measure and cut some wood alone. I only screw up once.
I needed to see Allyson. I needed to work with her and the other female staff and volunteers in such numbers. One lady was pregnant. Quite a few were Regular Volunteers.....meaning they give quite a bit of their time and energy to build homes for people they don't even know. Being around these ladies today empowered me. Their presence assured me that I was not off on some fantasy ride; I could actually be competent, skilled and still love what I do.
This week is definitely the best of training so far. I hope it continues to get better.
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