Grace Shelton, a biology major with pre-med dreams, Faith Shelton, determined to make her mark in civil engineering, and their mother Aaronda Williams, building her future in construction management, all share the same graduation date. 

Across the three women, there are 16 organizational involvements, 13 scholarships, three majors, and one shared journey.

“It’s crazy to think about,” Grace says, reflecting on the idea of all graduating together. “I don’t think we ever would have thought it would happen, but here we are.”

It wasn’t exactly planned, but maybe it was always meant to be. Aaronda remembers conversations from when her daughters were young, when she would ask them about their dreams and talk through the steps they’d need to take. 

“They would ask me, ‘Mom, what do you want to be?’ And I’d tell them. They’d say, ‘You can still do that!’ I always said, ‘Maybe when y’all go back, I’ll go back too,” Aaronda recalls.

Aaronda was always grateful for the small moments.

“It’s so amazing having them on campus. We have lunch together, go to events, and cheer each other on. It means the world,” Aaronda says.

But it’s not always easy. Burnout, doubt, and exhaustion are familiar hurdles. 

“Sometimes it’s hard to keep going,” Grace admits. “But we always remind each other of our goals. When I felt unsure if I belonged, I could come home, talk it out, and get my motivation back.”

For Aaronda, her daughters are more than just support — they’re inspiration. 

“They’re working, going to school, having a social life, and still showing up for me. I can’t complain about working and going to school when I see them doing it all.”

That mutual inspiration is rooted in the example Aaronda set. 

“Seeing our mom balance everything, that’s what shaped our mindset,” Grace reflects. “Her strength influenced us a lot.”

Still, the women have built their own campus families, branching out into leadership programs, sororities, and student organizations. 

“We’ve found mentors and friends at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock,” says Faith, “but our family bond is always there, too.”

Each woman can pinpoint moments that will stick with her forever. For Aaronda, it’s lunch together at The WOW Cafe with all her daughters. For Faith, it’s the quiet joy of everyone gathered in her dorm, just talking, just being together. For Grace it is the memory of all of them realizing they would be graduating together after all. 

As graduation nears, emotions run high. 

“I’ll be grateful and at peace,” Aaronda says. “I can finally breathe.” 

Grace knows she’ll be emotional, thinking of how much she’s grown since her shy, uncertain middle school days. Faith, too, feels the weight of her family’s achievement, coming from a background without many degrees, and now adding three new ones at once.

Looking to the future, they look to the legacy they hope to leave. 

For Grace, representation in medicine is key. 

“There aren’t enough Black women physicians. I want to open a practice for underserved communities and be someone people can see themselves in,” Grace says.

Aaronda dreams of creating a nonprofit to help women enter construction, opening doors that have too often been closed. 

“We need more women in construction, and I want to show them the way—give them a clear pathway to a career,” Aaronda says.

Faith is focused on civil engineering and preparing for a career in roadway and infrastructure design.

“I want to create infrastructure that strengthens and connects communities,” Faith says.

What’s next? More giving back, more mentorship, more dreams. Maybe even graduate school, Aaronda jokes — though with two more daughters still in high school, she might have company again.

For now, the focus is on celebrating, on capturing a family photo in cap and gown, on reflecting on just how far they’ve come — together.

The post A Family Affair: Mother and Daughters Graduate Together appeared first on News.

Phoebe Booth’s path into construction management wasn’t a straight line. Booth initially enrolled in civil engineering before discovering her passion lay in the hands-on nature of construction management. 

Construction remains one of the most male-dominated industries in the U.S., but Booth says her experience has been more encouraging than many might expect. She credits the support she found from the university and her workplace, along with her own resolve to overcome any barrier that presented itself. 

“I think even as little as 20 years ago I would have had great difficulty,” Booth says, “but the people you want to work with are going to be the ones smart enough to see past gender biases.”

Serving as vice president of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has been transformative both personally and professionally. Working alongside the chapter president, Karla Rodriguez, and other strong women in the organization, she has witnessed firsthand the impact of female leadership in the industry. 

“Having confidence in your work in this industry is extremely important,” she says, “and I’m glad the experience I’ve had with AGC has given me unapologetic boldness.” 

The construction management program has been central to her development. Known for blending hands-on learning with academic and technical training, the program exposes students to site visits, guest speakers and practical building activities, while grounding them in technical subjects like statistics and computing. 

Booth credited the program directly for her professional trajectory, saying, “����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s outstanding Construction Management program has been my ticket to success in my career.” 

Her message to young women considering a career in construction is simple: pursue the path that feels right and not the one society expects. The opportunities within construction are vast, spanning estimating, project management, design and steel fabrication. Today, she works as an estimating intern, assisting in determining and partially designing steel connections. Tomorrow, she hopes her boldness leads her into a managerial role, with the aspiration of becoming a project manager firmly in her sights. 

Looking ahead, she hopes to not only build a long, successful career in the industry but also to inspire other young women to work in the field. If her growth thus far is any indication, the sky – as she notes skyscrapers have already proven – is not necessarily the limit.

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Growing up, Shelton remembers staring out the car window, wondering how she was supposed to trust a structure suspended in mid-air. Instead of avoiding the question or bridges, she chose to chase answers. That early curiosity turned into a passion for how structures work and how they serve and shape entire communities.

As she stepped into her first class, she encountered a new challenge. Often the only woman in class, she became aware of how underrepresented women can be in STEM fields. Instead of turning away from what she had found a passion in, she chose to find power in that dynamic.

“My experience has been very unique both in and out of the classroom,” says Shelton, “As a Black woman, I’m a minority in multiple ways, so it’s easy to feel out of place. But I’ve also found many opportunities for people in my position and people who see and respect me as a fellow engineer.”

Shelton credits much of her growth to the faculty and mentors she encountered along the way, who invested in her beyond the classroom and wanted to build her beyond their own accomplishments. Their support and advice provided guidance in the moment and served as a foundation for future challenges. Her confidence continued to grow through her work as a learning assistant for the structural steel design course, where she learned to communicate complex concepts and stepped into a leadership role. It allowed her to mentor younger students and model representation in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Since her freshman year, she has also completed an internship every summer, gaining experience with the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, CDI Contractors, and the Arkansas Department of Transportation. Working across public and private sectors has given her versatility and a clearer vision for her future. These hands-on experiences align with ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s focus on career preparation and real-world learning, helping Faith build the skills and confidence needed to succeed beyond graduation.

As graduation approaches, Shelton says the experiences and opportunities she has received have given her a clear understanding of her career goals and how to navigate the engineering industry. She hopes to apply what she has learned to help design safer and more reliable infrastructure for the Little Rock community. Looking back, she is grateful for the connections she’s made and the foundation she’s built, and she encourages other young women considering engineering to trust themselves and their abilities. Shelton’s journey is just one of many at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, where the next generation of engineers, regardless of gender or background, is building stronger foundations for us all.

“As a woman, when you walk into a room, you already command a presence,” Shelton said. “People will notice you. Decide how you want to show up; don’t dim your light to make others comfortable. Let your confidence and your work speak for you. Engineering needs your perspective, your creativity and your voice.”

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Jacob Earls, senior project manager at Clark Contractors, said the partnership program felt like a natural step for the company.

“Clark has a long history with the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering programs, and a large portion of our workforce has graduated from the Construction Management program in particular,” Earls said. “It was an easy decision.”

Through the Corporate Partnership Program, Clark Contractors employees are eligible to receive a 10% tuition scholarship on all undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, as well as a $0 enrollment application fee and a $25 per credit hour scholarship.

“The scholarships are grease on the tracks to get our workforce on the right path and be able to complete something tangible they can hold on to,” Earls continued. “I really do believe it is something that makes a difference for our team members.”

Three of Clark Contractors’ project administrators, Grant Thomas, Holdyn Brown and Gus Smith, are currently enrolled at the university.

“I always planned to continue my education, but I was unsure what that path would look like until I began exploring companies that actively invest in their employees,” said Thomas, who is set to graduate in May 2027 with a degree in construction management. “Seeing the level of trust and confidence Clark [Contractors] places in young professionals starting their careers gave me the assurance to take that next step.”

Over one third of the employees at Clark Contractors are college-educated, and a majority of that percentage carry bachelor’s degrees, especially those interested in climbing the ranks to managerial roles. 

Brown will graduate from the Construction Management program in Spring 2029 and has always wanted an opportunity to earn his degree. When he joined Clark in July 2025 and learned about the partnership, he quickly registered to begin classes in the fall semester.

“I have always been attracted to hands-on work, and pursuing a degree in construction management offers both an office setting and a field setting where hands-on work is required to run a successful job,” Brown explained. “I am hoping that completing the program will lead to a full-time job offer.”

Smith, also a Construction Management student, was already in the process of earning his bachelor’s degree when he joined the Clark team in August 2025, knowing that the program would help propel him toward a management position. He was drawn to Clark Contractors because of the team’s encouragement to pursue higher education and the knowledge that leadership would be flexible with his school schedule.

“I’ll be graduating this coming December, and am excited to apply what I’ve learned,” Smith said. “After all, managing construction is more than what it seems; it’s also managing people to achieve the desired outcome. That’s something I didn’t grasp until I entered the classroom, and I’ll take it with me.”

Written by Olivia Hicks

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Tarpley, a native of Russellville, spent two months working with , where he helped transform raw land surveying data into detailed design files that engineers use to plan infrastructure projects.

“I was initially hesitant about going, but I realized this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Tarpley said. “I had never been out of the country before, and I didn’t want to miss the chance to see the world, learn new skills, and grow both personally and professionally.”

Through World Endeavors, a global internship program, Tarpley secured a position with TST Engineering, where he gained hands-on experience in land surveying and digital modeling. He worked with advanced tools like laser scanning software and ground-penetrating radar technology to map project sites and detect materials within structures. These are technologies he had never encountered in the U.S. before.

“They would bring me the data points collected by the survey machines, and I would simulate the points and draw where manholes, fences, and other topographic features were,” he explained. “That way, the engineers could reference the file and design around these obstacles. It really helped me understand how the data collection connects to the design process and bridged the gap between the two.”

The experience also deepened Tarpley’s understanding of engineering from an international perspective. He collaborated with colleagues from Ireland, France, Turkey, and Brazil, learning how engineering, design, and construction differ across countries.

“It’s not just working with people who think and act like you,” he said. “It was a new level of communication. I had to focus on how I explained things and learned how others approached problems differently. That experience will make me a better engineer.”

A Hands-On Approach to Career Readiness

The internship aligned closely with ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s emphasis on experiential learning. Civil and construction engineering students are required to complete 800 hours of work experience before graduation, a requirement that Tarpley says is critical for career readiness.

“You’ll never be able to analyze every situation just by what a textbook says,” he said. “I’ve been out there and encountered things that aren’t covered in the classroom. That kind of experience is invaluable for understanding how work happens in the real world.”

Tarpley’s time in Dublin also reinforced his career goals. When he graduates in May 2027, he plans to continue working with, the professional services firm where he is currently employed as an engineering intern.

While the internship was the centerpiece of his summer abroad, Tarpley also took full advantage of his time in Europe. On weekends, he explored Ireland’s natural beauty in seaside towns like Howth and Bray, hiked scenic trails, and visited historic cities including Galway.

He also traveled beyond Ireland, exploring Stirling, Edinburg, Brussels, Paris, Rome, Heidelberg, and Lucerne, and even attended the British Open Golf Tournament. One highlight was visiting Heidelberg, Germany, where his mother is originally from.

“The architecture in Heidelberg was beautiful. It felt like walking through a fairytale,” Tarpley said. “There’s something about Dublin and Galway too. They were just a joy to be in. When everyone around you is having a good time, you are too.”

Looking back, Tarpley says the experience not only taught him valuable professional skills but also changed the way he views the world and his future.

“It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said. “Even though I was hesitant to go at first, I will never regret it. I learned about different lifestyles, gained new perspectives, and it even made me appreciate what I have here at home. It’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

At ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Tarpley is a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program and vice president of the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, where he helps students prepare for intense competitions that involve building concrete canoes and steel bridges. These competitions provide students with additional opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Whether designing infrastructure in Arkansas or collaborating on projects abroad, Tarpley is confident that the skills and perspectives he gained in Dublin will shape his career for years to come.

“Studying and working abroad showed me how engineering is done differently around the world,” he said. “It’s an experience that will stay with me as I continue building my career.”

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Stockton, a junior from Sheridan, Arkansas, is one of several students across the country selected for the prestigious Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program. This year, the Roofing Alliance awarded $32,000 in new scholarships and $55,000 in renewal scholarships to support future construction leaders.

“I’m so thankful the Roofing Alliance selected me for this scholarship,” Stockton said. “This organization is extremely passionate about educating the next group of young construction professionals.”

The $5,000 annual award supports Stockton through the first three years of his undergraduate education, covering expenses such as tuition, books, and other academic costs. He is on track to graduate during the fall 2026 semester.

Stockton’s passion for construction began in high school, when he watched his new high school building take shape and learned that several ����Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni helped lead the project. Kennedy’s dad, who owns and develops rental property, helped inspire his early interest in the field. 

“I’ve been around construction all my life,” he said. “My father has also always done residential construction work, and I got to help him throughout my childhood and teenage years. He pushed me towards a strong work ethic and good values and morals.”

For the past two years, Stockton has interned with Kinco Constructors and plans to continue his career there after graduation. One of his greatest mentors has been Kinco Senior Project Manager Lance Wright.

“Lance has mentored me and taught me a tremendous amount of construction knowledge,” Stockton said. “The construction knowledge is not what has impacted me the most from working under Lance, but the lessons on faith, how to be good to people, time management, and how to lead.”

Outside of the classroom, Stockton is an active member of the student chapter of the Associated General Contractors of Arkansas. He also served on the leadership team for the Baptist Collegiate Ministry while living on campus and has enjoyed participating in intramural sports, pickleball, and pickup basketball with friends.

The Roofing Alliance has awarded more than $1.25 million in scholarships to 173 students since the program began. With more than 200 members and $16 million in funding, the Roofing Alliance supports education, training, and workforce development across the construction and roofing industries.

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The new fund will support student travel, competitions, presentations, and other enrichment opportunities that bring classroom learning to life for students in the School of Business and the Department of Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering.

Murray, a 2003 graduate of ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s business management program, said the fund was inspired by his desire to give back to the university that helped shape his entrepreneurial journey.

“I know not everyone at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock has access to the same resources or opportunities as students at larger schools,” Murray said. “These kinds of real-world experiences—traveling, competing, and presenting—help students gain confidence and professional skills that are incredibly valuable in business and construction. This is a way for me to invest in their future and in our local workforce.”

Founded in 2010, Murray Contractors has worked on several projects at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, including renovations in the Reynolds Business Building, the demolition of the former Education Building, and pedestrian bridge replacement in front of the Engineering Technology and Applied Sciences Building. But Murray said this gift offered a more personal opportunity to support the university community.

“This campus has meant a lot to me over the years, and contributing to the student experience helps strengthen our whole community,” he said. “If we don’t support our future business leaders as they graduate from our own local institutions, then who will?”

The fund recently supported a student team that competed in the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation’s Annual Real Estate Challenge in Chicago in April. Murray attended a presentation by the students and said he was blown away by their professionalism and preparation.

“They didn’t present like students. They presented like business professionals,” Murray said. “I was incredibly impressed by their speaking skills, their visuals, and their command of the project. Watching that made me proud to be part of this effort.”

Elizabeth Small, instructor of real estate development, said Murray’s support and presence at the student presentation added meaningful validation to their work.

“Patrick Murray’s contribution to the student experience was much appreciated,” Small said. “He understands the real estate development process and how important construction is to owners. This is the basis of the student competition, and it was fun to have Mr. Murray in the room to hear the student presentation, make comments, and converse with the team. He confirmed that their work is ‘real world.’”

Murray hopes the fund will open doors for students to gain experiences he didn’t have himself as a student.

“I didn’t get to do things like this when I was in college,” he said. “I was focused on racing motocross and school. But seeing these students take the initiative to go above and beyond is inspiring. Those are the people I want to work with one day.”

He credits the encouragement and leadership of Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement, as one of the driving forces behind his decision to create the fund.

“Christian’s energy and commitment to this campus are contagious,” Murray said. “His passion for growing this university made me want to be part of that effort.”

Through this gift, Murray hopes to foster both educational excellence and a strong talent pipeline for central Arkansas.

“Being able to contribute to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock helps contribute to our own community,” he said. “It’s not just about giving back. It’s about investing in the people who will help build the future of this city.”

The post ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumnus Patrick Murray Donates $25K to Support Student Enrichment at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock appeared first on News.

The boot camp starts April 17 as part of the Advanced Building Information Modeling course, and it will help students learn to bridge the gap between traditional construction methods and emerging AI tools.

Gursoy said that the use of AI can help improve construction in several ways, including improving project planning and design, increasing safety on construction sites, optimizing material selection, and improving project management and scheduling.

“My AI Boot Camp is designed to integrate AI into construction education in a hands-on way,” Gursoy said. “Students will explore practical applications of AI, such as project management, renderings, and code analysis, to enhance efficiency and reduce human error in construction processes.”

A major focus of the program will be AI-powered safety analysis, where students will learn how AI detects missing hard hats or safety hazards in security footage. Additionally, students will use AI-driven software to generate project estimates, automate quantity takeoffs, and create multiple design variations within minutes.

“AI can turn a single model into 100 different variations quickly, providing clients with multiple design options in a fraction of the time it would take manually,” Gursoy said. “While it’s still essential for students to understand how to complete these tasks manually, AI has the potential to transform hours of work into minutes, improving overall efficiency.”

Gursoy has already incorporated AI into her courses, utilizing programs like Hover, a 3D modeling tool, and BIM 360, which enables predictive analytics for cost reduction and energy efficiency. Students will also explore Roboflow, SmartPM, Ordinal, and Togal.Al. The AI Boot Camp will take this integration further, analyzing how students interact with AI, identifying challenges, and contributing to research on AI adoption in construction education.

“The construction industry is sometimes slow to adopt new technology, but our students can help drive that change,” Gursoy said. “If interns and young professionals bring AI-powered best practices into the workplace, they can help improve efficiency, minimize errors, and advance the field.”

With AI continuing to reshape industries, Gursoy’s initiative ensures that ����Vlog��ý Little Rock students are prepared to leverage innovative AI technology and become leaders in the evolving construction industry.

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“I look at this win as a stepping stone to launch into my post-college life,” Soltman said. “Coming out of university and starting to get settled into a career can be tough, and it’s nice to know that there are still bigger and better things to accomplish out there. As an alumnus, it’s nice to know that I’m representing the university in a good manner and able to carry on the high standards that they instilled in me throughout my athletics and courses.”

Originally from The Woodlands, Texas, Soltmann’s running journey began in middle school when he joined cross country with his twin sister. Although she eventually stopped running, Soltmann continued to pursue the sport, eventually earning a scholarship to run track and field for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. His time at the university, where he earned a degree in construction management in 2024, shaped him into the athlete and person he is today.

“I chose Little Rock because of both athletics and academics,” Soltmann explained. “At the time, the distance coach was Alan Webb, the American record holder in the mile, so having the opportunity to be coached by him was very enticing. On the academic side, Little Rock has one of the best construction management programs in the country.”

Soltmann’s college experience was nothing short of eventful. He started college during a global pandemic and graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA. During his five years as a student-athlete, he was part of a program that saw significant success, including conference titles in track and cross country.

“My time as a student-athlete was a whirlwind,” he said. “I started as a walk-on and ended with a full-ride scholarship. Some of my favorite memories are winning the indoor and outdoor conference titles in 2024 and placing fourth in the steeplechase at the conference meet during the 2023 outdoor track season. As a student, some of my best memories are getting hands-on experience with construction equipment, learning about the industry through stories my professors told, and taking part in events hosted by campus.”

Soltmann’s transition from running track to marathons started with his training for the Little Rock Marathon. 

“The main reason I chose Little Rock over the Woodlands Marathon was convenience and familiarity,” Soltmann said. “I’d been training in the area for five years and already knew the course pretty well. The Little Rock course is more challenging with more elevation and obstacles, which I thought would test me more than a flat course.”

Going into the race, Soltmann had set a time goal of 2:30:00, but he quickly realized he could aim for a win.

“I wasn’t expecting to win, but once I saw how my pace was going, I thought I could at least finish in the top three,” he said.

Soltmann surged ahead early, beating his half marathon personal best by over two minutes and leading the race from the start. However, the second half of the marathon proved to be more challenging.

“By mile 21, I hit a wall,” Soltmann admitted. “Every step felt like I had bricks tied to my feet. But I had come so far, and I wasn’t going to lose it at the end. I hit mile 25, and after I climbed up the last hill, I knew all I had to do was get to the finish. After leading every mile, I wasn’t going to let anyone pass me now.”

Despite the pain, Soltmann held on to the lead, finishing strong and securing the win. Crossing the finish line as the marathon champion was a deeply rewarding experience.

“The most rewarding part was knowing I was able to represent all the people who supported me – God, my parents, my girlfriend, my friends, my coaches, and my professors,” Soltmann said. “They’re the reason I’m able to do what I love, and I’m so grateful for them.”

Since graduating in 2024, Soltmann has started a full-time role at in Little Rock as a project engineer. He’s also continuing to pursue his passion for running, setting his sights on bigger races.

“I want to qualify for and compete in all the major marathons – Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York,” he said. “My most ambitious goal is to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon. I still have a long way to go, but I think as long as I stay consistent, it is possible to get there.”

Soltmann also remains connected to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s track and cross country teams, mentoring current athletes.

“I’m very proud of my teammates and what they were able to accomplish,” he said. “I try my best to encourage my teammates and acknowledge their accomplishments. I try to set a good example for them as they start to head into their post-college life.”

For anyone considering running their first marathon, Soltmann has some advice: “I’d say go for it. It can be challenging to find the time to keep training, especially if you have to work long hours but it’s not impossible if you want to keep competing. Let yourself fall in love with the sport all over again and find a way to make it fun for you.”

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Just after graduating high school, the Vilonia native already has a successful full-time job as well as an associate degree after becoming one of the first graduates of the Vilonia Pathways Program.

The program is a partnership between Vilonia Pathways Academy and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock that allows students to earn an associate degree in construction science while still in high school.

“Being able to finish high school with both a diploma and an associate degree seemed unreal,” Finch said. “This is my biggest accomplishment so far, and it made me realize that I am capable of much more than I thought. It wasn’t the easiest to accomplish, but it was worth the hard work.”

Cathy Riggins, retired assistant superintendent of Vilonia Public Schools who helped launch the concurrent program, said this program is a great example of how schools can work together to create a beneficial program that meets the needs of students while drawing workers to a growing industry.

“When you put students at the center, this is a prime example of what can happen,” Riggins said. “People in the construction industry are some of the best people I’ve ever worked with in my life. This program is a great opportunity for students to live the American dream and have the kind of life they’ve always wanted by working for a great Arkansas company and fulfilling a workforce development need. We all worked together to create something that is truly beneficial to students and the construction industry.”

Finch decided to join Vilonia Pathways Academy with her older brother. The two siblings made honor roll together, and he went on to work in the heat and air industry after graduating in 2023. While attending Vilonia Pathways Academy, Finch worked at Weaver Bailey Contractors in Conway as an intern.

“This internship allowed me to start working in all parts of the company,” Finch said. “This included project management, human resources, accounting, safety, and much more. By the time I graduated, I already knew what I wanted to do.”

After earning her high school diploma from Vilonia Pathways Academy and her associate degree from ����Vlog��ý Little Rock this spring, Finch was hired as a full-time safety technician at Weaver Bailey Contractors.

“Having this degree has helped me get the job I have now and has also opened up so many opportunities for me,” Finch said. “I have been offered jobs, and I feel like I’m a step ahead of most people my age. I’m gaining experience right now while some kids are still trying to figure out what they want to do.”

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