Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to be. While other kids aspired to become Police Officers and Doctors, I was searching for even a glimpse of an idea of my future. That is, until I was introduced to the Center of Applied Technology (CAT) North and their Drafting and Design program. I attended CAT North, a Trade School, throughout high school. There I was introduced to the fundamentals of hand drafting, using T-Squares, triangles, compasses and scales (boy, did this give me an appreciation of CAD).

During my second and third years of High School, I started to chase that glimpse and decided to dedicate half of the school day to CAT North, learning about CAD (computer-aided design) software. I learned the basics of CAD commands, including Polylines, Lines, Chamfers and Fillets. With that foundation, I began drafting technical drawings and plans.

By the time I was a senior, CAT North helped me get a part-time job with Terrain. My coworkers taught me more about the Civil Engineering side of site design. I realized then, I had found my future. Here I am, 18 years later, as a Lead Civil Designer for our Terrain team, giving other people a glimpse of their future homes with Land Development Design.

I have grown so much since that teenage kid first picked up a T-Square. Without CAT North paving the way, I wouldn’t be where I am today. One message I have always preached is this: if you are not book smart, pick up a trade. Learn professional skills that can prepare you for the real world. I’m thankful I did.

To learn more about CAT North, visit: www.catnorth.org