A Recipe for Success

“I plan to go to culinary school. Also, I plan to get my degree in business management. I’m going to try to become…I mean…I am going to become a private chef.”

Those are the future plans of 23-year-old, Tianna - or known to close friends as “Tee”. Tee recently graduated from our Build it Green (BIG) program, which prepares young adults with untapped potential for success by providing mentorship, assisting in learning life skills, and knowledge in construction and energy service though our workforce development program.

How did she develop these aspirations? Let’s back up and start from the beginning.

Tee grew up in Chattanooga and is one of five siblings. At age 11, she was placed in foster care which made her schooling, group of friends, and living conditions ever-changing. Throughout her childhood, there was never a clear plan for Tee. A graduate of Rhea County High School, she became a Team Member in Build It Green because one of her siblings was already involved in the program.

Tee and Build It Green Program Director, Dexter Talley

She describes her first impression of the BIG program, “Ehh… this is not for me. At the time, it was a lot less structured because the program was still somewhat new. We knew what we had to do – but not necessarily how to do it. You had to learn through doing. There was no plan.” She continues, “But I’ve been so fortunate to see how much BIG has grown from the staff… to the people… to how the members interact every day. It has completely changed, and I definitely credit that to Dexter (current Program Director for Build it Green). He takes more time to explain things to you. He teaches you patience, how to face your problems head-on, and how to plan. He also gives us room to make mistakes, because that’s how you grow.”

Speaking of growth, Tee declares that her growth over the last two years has been her least favorite part as well as her favorite part of the program. “The process of my growth was hard. Going through it was the worst. I remember thinking, ‘I don’t ever want to come here again. I’m not coming back tomorrow’… but I did it…and after it’s all said and done, it’s amazing. To see all the projects that we’ve created – they’re all in my portfolio now. I have a portfolio! I’m a skilled carpenter now. It’s amazing to see the fruits of our labor.”

“The process of my growth was hard…but I did IT…and after it was all said and done… it’s amazing to see the fruits of our labor.”

When asked about what she is most proud of building, Tee mentions a few different projects. One, in particular, is a ramp for an elderly member of the community. “The lady we were building the ramp for really took to us. She made sure we were hydrated, checked in on us throughout the day, and made sure we were well taken care of. We definitely formed a lifelong bond with her that day – and now, she’s like a Granny to all of us. I love that this program helps you make connections in your community. We’re about sustainability, lowering electricity bills, and also about keeping people in the neighborhood by forward thinking. That’s what Build It Green is all about. Our program was never meant to build wheelchair ramps. We started that so, you know, ten years down the road when this lady can’t make it up her front stairs to her door, she doesn’t have to relocate. She can stay there.”

“We’re about sustainability, lowering electricity bills, and also about keeping people in the neighborhood by forward thinking. That’s what Build It Green is all about.”

Tee ends the conversation with one last powerful thought from her experience in our Build It Green program, “I know there’s a lot of people who would be so grateful to be in my position. I’m in a perfect spot. I’m not at a standstill. I’m constantly growing – slowly. Even if it’s slow progress, it’s better than no progress.”

“I’m constantly growing – slowly. Even if it’s slow progress, it’s better than no progress.”

green|spaces wishes Tee the very best as she moves to Nashville/Clarksville to pursue her dreams.

Congratulations, Tee!

Written by Elizabeth Robinson.

To learn more about our Build it Green program, click here.