Working Toward a Trade Career: Astoria Dunn Thankful for YouthBuild Boost

Despite the recent loss of her sister, La Mesa’s Astoria Dunn is giving thanks today for her education and career prospects—and for being one of 13 local graduates of YouthBuild.

Dunn, 22, was the featured speaker Friday at the ceremony in City Heights.

“I’d like to thank the YouthBuild staff for all their support and dedication,” Dunn said in her valedictory talk.

“I just recently had a family trauma where my sister died. The YouthBuild staff pulled together to do everything in their power to make sure that I was able to come back to school and complete my high school diploma.”

Funded through the U.S. Department of Labor, YouthBuild is a national work-study program formed by the San Diego Labor Council in partnership with the San Diego Building Trades Council.

“She is the only female graduating,” said Patrick Pierce, director of communications and membership outreach for the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council,  AFL-CIO. “Astoria will now be pursuing her postsecondary education at the University of Phoenix, where she is currently enrolled.”

The ceremony recognized San Diego-area students ages 18-24 for completion of their high school education through hands-on construction trade experience, leadership skills development, and community service projects.

YouthBuild Training Director Sherry Rednour spoke at the ceremony, where 11 local students received high school diplomas and two earned their general equivalency diploma, or GED, in front on family members, friends, program instructors and local elected officials.

“The program offers students an opportunity to complete their high school education, gain hands-on construction trade experience, develop leadership skills, and give back to the community through community service,” Pierce said.

Bill Freeman, president of the San Diego Education Association, said: “No one got where they are today without the help of someone. The choices we make determine the paths we take, so think about those choices.

“Students learn hands-on construction skills in carpentry, electrical work, masonry, plumbing and apartment rehabilitation by working on-site at the National City Park Apartments, an affordable housing community in National City.”

YouthBuild—designed as a union pre-apprenticeship course —helps students earn industry-recognized certification through the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum developed by the National Building Trades Council, including CPR/first aid and OSHA 10 certification.

Since the inception of YouthBuild in January 2010, 30 students have graduated, organizers say. Seven students are serving in union apprenticeships.  Students enroll on a quarterly basis, and the program lasts about nine months.

Here is Dunn’s graduation speech:

Good afternoon, everyone.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank the YouthBuild staff for all their support and dedication. I just recently had a family trauma where my sister died. The YouthBuild staff pulled together to do everything in their power to make sure that I was able to come back to school and complete my high school diploma.

This past year that I spent at YouthBuild was one of the best years of my life. When I first started YouthBuild, I wasn’t confident that I would complete the program, but I did. My teachers Mike, Rachel and Jessica were very dedicated and patient with me through the process. They put in a lot of effort and worked overtime to help me earn my diploma. Also, my caseworker, June Williams, was a big help to me professionally and personally.

For these people, I am truly grateful.

While in YouthBuild, I learned a lot academically. I enhanced my English, math and science skills. On the construction side, I learned about power tools, piping, plumbing and roofing. During my time on the jobsite and in the classroom, I learned how to be confident, respectful and patient. The most important thing I learned is that good things will happen for you. Also, it’s always good to give back to the community.

At YouthBuild, I gained honesty, compassion and confidence. I have many memories from YouthBuild, yet my best memories are from the week of mental toughness. I had lots of fun and encouragement that led me to start and finish the YouthBuild program.

Completing YouthBuild and receiving my high school diploma was my number one goal for changing my life around and bettering me as a person and mother. My plans and goals for myself are to further my education and become a registered nurse. Helping people is where my heart is.

Once again, I would like to take the time to thank my teachers, my caseworker, and our YouthBuild program manager, Sherry. And I would also like to acknowledge Richard and Rocky, our jobsite instructors, and all members of the YouthBuild staff.

Thank you, everyone, for all of your support and dedication.