How Saron Found Her Confidence

Meet Saron! Saron is a youth instructor who first joined Urban Boatbuilders this past spring after learning about the program at school. Dreaming of becoming an engineer and knowing the STEM skills that come with learning woodworking, she applied for the apprenticeship program. 

“I liked using tools, and I wanted to try something new.”

Since joining the apprenticeship, Saron has discovered her favorite tools (the drill and the block plane), as well as her favorite boatbuilding steps: lashing and, most especially, lacing seats. When Saron was asked by the apprenticeship instructors to become a youth instructor, she was at first skeptical. English is not Saron’s first language, and she was initially concerned about how that might affect her role when it came to teaching tasks and leading lessons. However, the apprenticeship coordinators made sure to help Saron feel confident in herself. 

“They’re so helpful…they explain things to me in an easy way and help me with everything.”

Since stepping into her leadership role, Saron’s favorite part of her job has become “teaching people how to make something for the first time.” 

“The first time I started this program, I thought nobody was gonna talk to me, it would be just work and doing what they tell you to do, but it’s not like that. It's a good place to make friends, to be a good leader, and to learn new things.”

Like many apprentices who are just starting out, Saron never expected she would be able to build a boat one day. Flashforward to now, after three cohorts at Urban Boatbuilders, she finds boatbuilding to be a breeze. 

“My first time, I was wondering ‘how can I do this?’ Now when my brothers ask me ‘how are you making a boat? It seems hard,’ I tell them, ‘It’s not hard, come learn with me!”

In terms of the future, Saron hopes to graduate high school and attend college. Engineering is still one of her top interests, but she’s not sure yet where she’ll land. She knows she has lots of time to figure it out.  Her advice for those just starting out? 

“Dont be afraid, be yourself, and make new friends.”