Meet the Carpenter: Lasana Harper - "Carpentry Saved My Life."

The Story of Lasana Harper.

"My mother brought me to the US when I was 3. I am of the first generation here from Jamaica. My whole life there was pressure to work hard and become someone. My older brother often reminded me that we didn’t come here to die.

I've never been good at school. I’ve always been more creative with my hands. I'm an artist. I could pass any test but the structure of school never worked for me.

I struggled my way to high school and eventually dropped out and got my GED. I got into an art school the following year but I never finished. There’s a part of my story I don’t really tell many people.

The real reason I couldn’t finish school was because I got shot. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And I now live with a bullet in the middle of my chest just below the flesh.

Between tattooing and a retail job I had, I didn’t make much. My friend had to beg his father to get me a job doing property maintenance.

I did anything I was asked to do. Snow removal, landscaping, painting to taking out the trash.

After working there for two years, I was recruited by a local builder in 2016, and this became my entry into the industry.

I'm now approaching my 2nd year at NS Builders undefineda nd the thing I love is that I'm always learning. I'm surrounded by people just like myself. Young, driven and creative professionals pushing to make a mark on the industry.

I get exposed to the latest products, building sciences and the latest tools and processes. It's been a blessing to have the opportunity to take my time and master the craft.

I used to be an at risk teen in Boston. Who, like many others, have had close calls with death. I feel like I've been blessed with a second chance at life.

Looking forward, it's become incredibly important to master my craft and to help bridge the skills gap.

Being the first generation here and a proud father of 2 beautiful girls, I'm on a mission to create strong foundation for myself and to build a legacy for my family.⠀