Grace Olson
cement masons Local 633
ABOUT Grace:
My name is Grace Olson, and I am a member of the Cement Masons, Plasterers, and Shophands Local 633. I have been in the trades since I was 19, but I have been a part of this union for only 2 years. Previously, I was a member of the Laborers union, and it was a great starting point for me to enter the trades. I wish I had been better educated about the many different careers and options.
When I was 19, I dropped out of college due to various life circumstances, and at the time, I felt so down about myself for making that decision. I have a slightly different set of responsibilities than others my age because I am the sole guardian of my younger brother. So when I was introduced to the trades, it gave me a stable way to provide for my brother and myself like I’d always dreamed of.
Being a young woman in school, or just a young person in general, you aren't taught that there are other options besides college. I always just had an idea in my head that it’s a “man's” job or that I wouldn't be strong or capable enough to execute it. I was completely unaware of what a good career option the trades are, and I’ll forever be grateful for how they've helped me. Besides providing a stable income for my family, I have grown immensely in confidence and am very proud of myself.
Many of my friends and people surrounding me will tell me, “I could NEVER do that job” or “I don’t know how you do it.” What I tell them every time is that you can do anything you set your mind to if you just take the chance to try it out. I couldn’t even read a tape measure when I first started, but there are certain people who saw a hard worker in me and took the time to teach me. Every teacher I've had throughout my career has been so knowledgeable, I hope one day to be able to educate and help people just starting out in the same way.