The Impact of Giving

While Harry is humble and prefers not to be the center of attention, he is quick to credit the people who have helped him find his way in life. He’s thankful for his family and praises his high school carpentry teacher, Benjamin Gualano, for introducing him to Williamson College of the Trades and helping set him on the right path. “He got me working around the high school and taught me how to talk with people and develop strong relationships. I was already interested in his class because my dad’s a carpenter. Still, the interpersonal skills I learned from him have helped me more than I ever imagined, especially once I got into Williamson,” he says.

WILLIAMSON’S TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT
Attending college without incurring educational debt means so much to Harry and his family. But that’s only part of Williamson’s overall impact. When Harry first enrolled at Williamson, he thought his previous exposure to carpentry would give him an advantage over many of the other students—a belief he debunked quickly upon arrival. “The formal training I’m receiving here at Williamson is significantly different from the informal understanding I had of the profession previously. Working in the trades is much more complicated than people might think, and the non-trade skills taught at Williamson are just as important,” he explains. Harry also cites classes like resume writing, business writing, and project management as some of the courses that will undoubtedly help him succeed in his future career.

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
The camaraderie and sense of community Harry has discovered at Williamson have enhanced his educational experience. His participation in the wrestling program has been especially rewarding, allowing Harry to take a break from the academic rigor at Williamson. “I also enjoy all the on-campus events that bring people together. The small school environment enables us to really get to know each other, which is pretty cool,” he shares. When asked how to sum up his experience at Williamson so far in a few simple words, Harry says, “It’s been challenging but fun.”

BEST WORDS OF ADVICE
Some of the best advice Harry has received at Williamson pertains to setting expectations. “I’m constantly reminded to set high expectations for myself. Even when I think I know things, there’s always something to learn,” he reflects.

NEXT STEPS
Harry is thinking about rejoining Wentworth Contracting in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, for a second summer internship at the end of this academic year. “I learned a lot from their head carpenter last summer and had a lot of fun. They’re a general contractor, so they do some of everything,” he says. In the long term, Harry aspires to be a business owner. “After I graduate from Williamson, I plan on taking steps toward running my own residential carpentry business someday. It’s a high-demand industry, so I don’t anticipate having much trouble getting business,” he shares. While Harry has developed a specific interest in making furniture, he recognizes that Williamson has exposed him to a wide array of opportunities and plans to keep his options open while he continues to hone his skills.