Troublemakers Will Surprise You

Editor’s Note: This article was orginally published by Kristina McMillan on her LinkedIn page. It has been republished here with permission from the author.

Kristina shows off her passing welding coupon from the local tech school. “I worked my butt off to accomplish this at the age of 39,” she said. “That coupon is displayed in my office, but my college degree is not.”

I was a C average student in high school. I was also considered a troublemaker.

The only reason I graduated was because I was amazing at taking tests. The information was in my head, but listening in class was boring to me and homework felt like a waste of my time.

When I was in high school, I took a welding class. I loved that class. It was the most engaged in learning that I ever recall being. So much so, that I planned to pursue it after high school. That seemed to be okay with those that were guiding me through future planning.

As a first generation American and the oldest child, my family leaned pretty heavily on the recommendations of the school. We had never sent someone through the education system before.

Then I took my ACT test, and I got a 32. Turns out I am pretty smart.

Suddenly, guidance and career counselors were taking an active interest in my future. College was pushed as not just an option, but an expectation.

I was actually offered a full-ride scholarship to a great school, but I ended up selecting an out-of-state school because my friends were all going there. Again, with no prior experience in this area, my family didn't quite understand the aspect of student loans. Everyone had them so it seemed like no big deal.

Off I went to college, where I was, once again, a C average student. I graduated with a double major in Marketing & Journalism with a minor in Diversity Studies...barely. I don't regret going to college. Not for the education I received, but for the experience and fun I had.

Honestly, I think I learned more working behind the bar for the four years I was there, then I did in a classroom. Not a knock to ISU, but more about who I am as a person.

What's the moral of the story? Each of us have a path to take in our lives. This was mine. Ironically, I find myself as an advocate for blue collar, engineering and construction 24 years into my professional life. I even went back and learned welding again. Turns out I still love it.

The issue I see with my experience is that before I scored well on my ACT, no one cared what I did with my professional life. As parents and school leaders, we need to do better at recognizing skills and passions in our young people.

Learning does not look the same for everyone. Success does not look the same either.

For a C average student, I'd say I'm doing pretty well for myself. Whether that comes down to a college degree or not is hard to say.

Pictured above is me with my passing welding coupon from the local tech school. I worked my butt off to accomplish this at the age of 39. That coupon is displayed in my office, but my college degree is not.

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About the Author: Unapologetic, candid, and inspirational, Kristina McMillan is one of construction’s strongest and most influential female voices. Founder of Crew Collaborative, she is a motivational construction industry thought-leader with over 20 years of experience in team leading, marketing strategy, workforce development, and operations know-how.