Originally Published as: Trade School + mikeroweWORKS Foundation Scholarship: he number of opportunities can be overwhelming.”
Photos Courtesy of: Maryssa Bayless
As a result of a collaboration with mikeroweWORKS Foundation (www.mikeroweworks.org), Rural Builder is featuring profiles of Work Ethic Scholarship recipients in each of its issues. Over 2,600 scholarships have been awarded to trade-school students who value hard work and taking personal responsibility. Rural Builder applauds these students and wants to acknowledge their choice to apply their talents to skilled trades. Thank you, mikeroweWORKS Foundation, for your continuing efforts to close the skills gap and “reconnect the average American with the value of a skilled workforce.”
Maryssa Bayless grew up making mud pies, running around outside, and riding horses. She was a tomboy who was interested in tactile and creative activities. As a kid she thought she would grow up to be a chef or a cosmetologist, something hands-on. Then as a senior in high school, she faced the reality that whatever route she took the financing was on her and she began to explore all of her options.
“I fell into the trap of thinking that the next step had to be college if I wanted a career that pays,” Bayless said.
She began classes at the College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri, declaring herself a communication arts student. Within two years, however, she dropped out realizing that she wasn’t preparing for a career that she wanted.
“The last thing I wanted to do was sit indoors at a desk from 8 to 5 every day all dressed up, so business classes were out too,” Bayless said. “I wanted hard work that would tire me out; I craved manual labor and the feeling of satisfaction that comes from working hard,” she added.
Pursuing A New Plan
Knowing she had to come up with a plan if she didn’t want to end up living in her mom’s basement, she applied to WSU Tech. It seemed like a good idea for many reasons: it would be hands-on, she would learn a practical skill that she would have forever, it was more affordable, and she would be guaranteed work when she completed her training.
Bayless’s mom suggested she apply for the mikeroweWORKS Scholarship, so she did. The application steps for the mikeroweWORKS Scholarship were extensive yet straightforward. She realized that all of the steps she was required to take during the application process helped her to know that she really wanted to go down the path she was embarking upon.
Applicants for the scholarship are further required to sign the S.W.E.A.T. (Skill & Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo) Pledge which is filled with statements meant to encourage workers to work hard, take responsibility for themselves and their work, and in short espouse a positive attitude while doing everything in their power to succeed. Finally, they are asked to compose a thirteenth statement they would add to the other twelve that make up the pledge. Bayless’s statement expressed the idea that able-bodied people should serve the less fortunate. As the child of a single mom, she knew how much a helping hand can mean.
The scholarship she received did a lot for Bayless, paying her entire way though her Associate degree program in Construction Science/Carpentry.
Her program focused on carpentry, and it included sheet rock, wood framing, metal framing, insulation and more. The program included a week of class time, then three weeks on the jobsite learning hands-on through her apprenticeship, then back to class for a week followed by another three weeks in the field, and so on. In this way Bayless was able to implement the knowledge she gained in class while working in the field and making money.
A Career in Carpentry
After she graduated, Bayless began working for local builders, however she began to fear that her standards were being compromised. She feels strongly about doing quality work, and she sometimes felt pressured to cut corners in order to adhere to a timeline.
Now that she works freelance, Bayless said that she continues to work on efficiency, but now she can do it without putting her work standard at risk. She also does a great scope of work including remodeling, trim, sheetrock, custom shelving, and painting.
Bayless loves being her own boss and she doesn’t have the kind of overhead she would have if she owned her own business, so she is enjoying the freedom of freelancing, choosing which jobs she takes on and having the ability to take time off when she wants to.
“Right now I am focusing on the quality of my work while enjoying a little freedom, but in five to ten years I would like to have my own business,” Bayless said. “Eventually I may go for a contractor’s license, but I want to work in the field for a while first. I want to earn the respect of the tradesmen I will be working with, so I want to have a lot of hands-on experience before I become a general contractor.”
While working in the field, she is networking, making the contacts that will help her with her future plans.
“I know some really great, experienced contractors whose wisdom I can tap into when I need counsel,” Bayless said.
Fitting Into the Industry
As a woman, Bayless said she definitely finds herself to be in the minority on jobsites, but she hasn’t really had any problems with that.
“If someone makes a comment, you dish it back,” she said. “However, my work speaks for itself. If your male co-workers see that you are doing quality work, you gain their respect.”
With young men, there tends to be competitiveness Bayless said. “Usually it’s healthy competition which can help to make you a better carpenter.”
Middle aged men tend to be the bosses, and Bayless has only had positive experiences with them. Her mentor and boss, Paul took her in as an apprentice and taught her everything she knows. He was an incredible influence on her, helping her become the kind of carpenter she is today.”
“He was very respectful, knowledgeable, and firm, and I am indebted to him for all his wisdom,” she said.
Older men are not always as open to a young woman doing the work, but Bayless said she greatly respects them anyway because they know what to do and how to do it well.
Advice For High School Graduates
“Don’t go to college just because people say you should,” Bayless said. “So many college graduates have accumulated debt, and they can only find jobs with entry level wages – and sometimes they can’t even find a job. Meanwhile I went to work for a couple of years and saved money.
“Many people are successful without a college degree,” Bayless said. “If you are unsure of your career path, try out trade school. Even if it ends up not being your thing, you will learn a useful skill. Apply for a mikeroweWORKS scholarship too; it opens up so many opportunities.”
Bayless points out that there are many other trades besides carpentry to choose from, and even if you went to tech school and got a construction science degree, you could take it in several directions, such as becoming an estimator or a cost analysis coordinator.
Helping People
Circling back to the S.W.E.A.T. pledge Bayless took, she has begun giving a helping hand to people in her community who could use it. Mounting a TV for a lady who couldn’t do it herself, patching walls, offering discounts on jobs…she has found small ways to help people. She believes her abilities are God-given and as her career grows, so will her opportunities to help others.
P.S. A Business of Her Own
Since the interview and the first draft of this article, Bayless’ career has taken a big step forward: she started her own company in Wichita, Kansas, Steadfast Home Improvements LLC! This decision was based on her recognition of an important truth.
“I feel most fulfilled and joyful when I am doing the work that I love,” Bayless said. “I was letting perfect be the enemy of good, and I decided it was time to go for it!”
The company offers residential remodeling, painting, custom shelves, laying floors, and handyman tasks. Bayless is focused on integrity and providing quality work.
“I believe that I am working for the Lord,” she said, “and therefore the work that I do needs to be top notch.”
