As part of my research, I decided to focus on the topic of construction. As I researched about the construction industry, I found out how the industry took a big hit during the recession of 2008. As people lost their jobs in the industry, some of them had to go into other industries for work, or they had to flee the country because they were immigrants who couldn’t find any more jobs. Because the construction industry suffered a great loss of people, when business started picking up again, there was a lack of skilled workers in the industry. Consequently, I wanted to do a project that would focus on the skills of a construction worker.

​

For my project, I wanted to do something with the pond that was suggested by Chinquapin's facilities manager, David, a couple of years ago: adding a concrete layer in the bottom of the pond so the water wouldn't look as dirty, and so the pond would be easier to clean. I found out Carlos also wanted to work with the pond, so we both got together to work on it these two years. We were in charge of the maintenance of the pond. We fundraised money for all the materials needed, and we finally poured the concrete in November of 2019.

​

I chose this topic of construction for my research and project because of my childhood with my dad. Ever since I was a little kid, I would beg my dad to go to work with him. He focused on pouring concrete of driveways, sidewalks, house foundations, patching cracks, etc. As I grew older, he started taking me to work with him and teaching me different skills. Since then, I've had a passion for this industry, and I wanted to expand my knowledge on it. Now I want to study and major in Construction Management.