Pushing the dream forward

By Teresa Baranowski

I am fortunate enough to be one of the 215 recipients of the Union Plus scholarship. With more than 6,300 people applying for the scholarship this year alone, I am beyond grateful to receive the honor and for everything the Union has done for my family and me.

The online application process, typically due around the beginning of the year, involves various components. For example, in order to apply, a parent and/or yourself must be a Union member. I am currently a fourth-year apprentice at Local 697 IBEW Electricians in Merrillville, Indiana. My father has been a bricklayer for Local 4 IN/KY out of Merrillville for more than 28 years. Before that, he was a laborer for nine years. In addition, one of my grandfathers was a Union boilermaker and the other was a steel worker. 

Growing up, I saw how hard my dad worked to provide for our family. That alone is empowering enough to realize college was not for me. I wanted to start off my life by making money. I grew up working on cars, riding four-wheelers, fishing, kayaking, and just about any and all outdoor activity you could think of doing. I love working with my hands and learning new things. In high school, I was on the varsity soccer team all four years, serving as captain in my junior and senior years. 

The day I chose to stop playing soccer and turn down my dream of play at Notre Dame with a partial scholarship for academics and athletics was heartbreaking. But I knew I could not provide for me and a future family by playing soccer, let alone not even knowing what I wanted to study. 

During my senior year in high school, I took a tour at the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and realized that was what I wanted and needed to do. I believe I made the right choice. I have met so many people who I have become friends with—many of whom are like family just from being in the trades. 

This Union Plus Scholarship is going to help me out tremendously by paying for books this fall and adding some new tools and clothes for work.