When Sadie Alejandria was a young girl, she always busy doing little woodworking projects with her dad.
"My dad taught me a lot of the basics, and then I was like, well, let's take the leap and do something that I was already interested in and expand my knowledge from hobby-level into a potential career," Alejandria said.
Last year, she decided to pursue her passion by enrolling into the Woodworking Technician program at St. Clair College.
To kick off her second year of the program, Alejandria was given the opportunity to take on a work study placement, helping to renovate two student resource classrooms in the School of Engineering Technologies alongside Interior Design professor, Bill Rawlings.
After consultation with Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction, and Interior Design students, Rawlings made some designs.
"The project transitioned into a design-build initiative. To enrich the student learning experience, faculty collaborated with the Woodworking Technician program to help bring the designs to life," said Rawlings, pointing out this is where Alejandria's work started.
She and another work study student worked all through the summer, putting finishing millwork in one room, and starting the other classroom "from the bones up," she said.
From fabricating, finishing, and installing bookcases and doors to building birch desks and shelving, Alejandria and her student partner worked to improve the functionality and aesthetic of the classroom.
"This was my first time delving into that type of work," said Alejandria. "It's really great to be able to prove yourself in this aspect and in a work environment. We got to know all aspects of that kind of process."
"Knowing that those are going to get good, hard use for people's progress throughout their student lives is really awesome. I'm part of a legacy," she said. "I love it. It's just been a really invaluable process."
Rawlings said Alejandria played a crucial role in creating the improved student space.
"Her collaboration with faculty and Interior Design students allowed her to further develop her technical skills while actively participating in the construction of both spaces," Rawlings said. "Sadie's dedication to meeting project goals and deadlines, along with her exceptional attention to detail, were essential to the project's success."
"The completion of this project would not have been possible without her commitment, teamwork, and positive attitude," Rawlings added.
Another feature of the Woodworking Technician program at St. Clair which Alejandria likes is the diverse mix of students, where about one-third are women.
"It's a male dominated industry, so they really focus on saying everyone has a spot here," she said.
She also commends the faculty for guiding her through the coursework and work study process.
"The teachers have been amazing. And I really think there's a place for me, especially as a female in the industry, there's a place for me already," she said.
"I'm carving out my spot."
