Every month one or two students will be featured, and will answer ten questions. This month's students are Jason Durant and Jenny Messer. They are both seniors at Hargrave High School.

Jason Durant

Jason, why did you want to join the program and what do you hope to get out of it?

"I like using my hands. I am hoping to eventually work as a contractor in timber framing."

How does the program differ from regular high school classes?

"We're outside ALL of the time. We don't have to sit in the classroom. And the atmosphere is more relaxed than in a regular class."

What do you like best about the program? What do you like least?

"What I like most is working outside, smelling the pine, and working with power tools. I also simply like the concept of timber framing. If I had to pick something I like the least it would be drilling peg holes."

What has been the biggest surprise about working in the program?

"The biggest surprise has been the speed of our work. I am really surprised that we are AHEAD of schedule on the shop. We actually work like a real construction outfit."

Is there anything you would tell another student who was thinking about applying for the program? Do students all need to be handy with tools? What happens if you really mess up the piece you're working on?

"The program is a major confidence builder. You don't have to be handy with tools. And if you mess up, don't kill yourself over it."

Does anyone in your family work with wood or work in construction?

"No."

Before the program, had you ever heard about timber framing and raisings?

"No."
In this age of computers and high tech, do you think your working with your hands and with hand tools is outdated and old fashioned? Or can you see a place in our society for the skills you're learning?

"No. Soon, and I don't know how soon, the computer age will fall. We're going to need the skills in order to survive."

Who would you not want to be stuck in an elevator with?

"Jay Leno or Bill Mahr."
If stranded on a deserted island (with plenty of food, water, and shelter), what would you want to have with you?

"My tools and a society made up totally of women. And my buds, of course."

Jenny Messer

Jenny, why did you want to join the program and what do you hope to get out of it?

"There are two reasons: because I needed a bunch of elective credits and because I wanted a class where I could make stuff."

How does the program differ from regular high school classes?

"You get dirtier. It's more physical than mental."

What do you like best about the program? What do you like least?

"I like working with tools and building. I like being around my friends. What I like least is that there are sometimes unfavorable weather conditions outside."

What has been the biggest surprise about working in the program?

"I guess I'm doing better than I thought I would. And a couple of the machines are bigger than I expected."

Is there anything you would tell another student who was thinking about applying for the program? Do students all need to be handy with tools? What happens if you really mess up the piece you're working on?

"I'd tell them that it's a lot of fun, but hard work. You need to be handy with tools, but that's something that will get better with time. As far as messing up on a piece, you can't really fix it unless it's a little piece that you can glue back on (well, that's at least what happened on our tool box)."

Does anyone in your family work with wood or work in construction?

"My Dad and my uncles. My Mom used to when she was younger. She used to help my Dad with sheet rock and dry walling. My Dad is a self-employed contractor."

Before the program, had you ever heard about timber framing and raisings?

"Not timber framing ... no, I don't think so."

In this age of computers and high tech, do you think working with your hands and with hand tools is outdated and old fashioned? Or can you see a place in our society for the skills you're learning?

"Yeah, it has a place. Everybody needs something built. I think it's neat."

Who would you not want to be stuck in an elevator with?

"I don't even like to be stuck in an elevator! Probably my friend because she would drive me crazy!"

If stranded on a deserted island (with plenty of food, water, and shelter), what would you want to have with you?

"I'd have to have friends and of course animals. A fishing pole, I guess you could make your own. Tools to build and make other stuff. And seeds of different sorts so I could plant my own garden."