“A new way of life”
Ryan Miller, graduate, and now concrete finisher, came to Constructing Hope ready for a change.
Before joining Constructing Hope Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Miller worked in the food industry and became involved in a lifestyle that led to his incarceration.
After his release, he was ready to work, but was met with rejection due to having a felony on his record. This limitation weighed on him heavily, until he rediscovered a Constructing Hope pamphlet he was given while he was serving time. During a call with a staff member, he was uplifted by the promises of a life-changing experience and employment.
“I was walking in without even knowing how to read a measuring tape or do basic math,” he said, “I told myself, you will either try it and hate it or realize it is the new way for your life, future and family.”
Through 10 weeks of training, life-skills and teamwork building, Ryan Miller stayed persistent and in a motivated mindset. He recalled the moment he spoke with someone from the cement masons’ union. “He didn’t sugarcoat the hard work but said that you will never feel more fulfilled.” Miller also mentioned how he appreciated hearing about the artistic elements of the cement trade. “It spoke to me because when I worked in the food industry, I was passionate about putting food out that looked good and was beautiful,” said Miller, “I want to do work that people look at and go ‘that looks great, it’s really cool.’”
“What I do for a living is what I love and there are so many things that make everything worth it,” said Miller. “Constructing Hope changed my life.”
