By Steve Steiner

Managing editor

ssteiner@elkintribune.com

Although it was a cold, bitter day, to a person, the 18 Surry Community College students hard at work building a house for Habitat for Humanity didn’t mind the weather.

“It’s nice doing something for someone who couldn’t otherwise afford a home,” said Linda Bartley.

Unlike perhaps some of the other students, Bartley, who retired from U.S. Airways, is not totally unfamiliar with the building trade. Her husband has his own HVAC/plumbing and heating business.

“It’s good, knowing you’re doing something,” said Blake White.

The 18 students are enrolled in a carpentry class taught by John Young. For many, if not all of them, this is their first major project, and it is providing them with “hands-on” experience.

“You could learn from a book,” said second semester student James Pennell, “but you don‘t really ‘learn.’”

After a morning putting in the floor joists, then attaching the subflooring, the three of them, along with the others,stopped to eat lunch. They talked about what they want to get out of the program.Some students are pursuing an associate’s degree in construction management technology, such as Bartley. Her plans are to become a contractor. Others, like White, weren’t sure whether he just wanted to get certification, or take the same path as Bartley.

“I’m not 100 percent sure,” he said. “But I’m thinking about it.”

Like Bartley, he is not unfamiliar with the trade.

“I’ve done a little bit with my family,” he said.

Soon, lunch was over and it was time to return to work.

“Maybe next week, hope to get up the walls, weather permitting,” said Young.