Hardworking Hands

By Alyssa Chrisope

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Well, Ricky Bobby, there are plenty of people that do.

From baristas, seamstresses, mechanics and more there are people all around you that have found their calling, working with their hands. Some say it was a trait passed down and others claim that you are born with the talent. But next time you get a haircut or hear your favorite song, think about the handy work behind it.

Kelly Nedd, Hairstylist 

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“I think you are born with it. I don’t think it can be taught really. It can be taught but it’s either you have it or you don’t. It’s a gift that I think we all have but some people just tap into it more. It is for sure something that is in you and who you are.”

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Johnny Diaz, Cobbler 

“I have developed the skills over the years, but I always liked working with my hands.”

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Tony Ballesteros, Flamenco player 

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“First, he [my dad] would show me on his guitar; then I would mimic him on my guitar. Kind of like Simon says. He was the biggest influence. I don’t want to say I wouldn’t play guitar if he wasn’t there but he was definitely the reason I picked it up. I give him credit for that because I wouldn’t be where I am at today without him. Flamenco is pretty specific, and I don’t think I would have picked that up.”

Listen to a traditional Flamenco song played by Ballesteros.

Maribel Villasenor, Barista

“It’s a little creation. It’s like a little part of me. I like steaming the milk because it is actually an art. It’s the most important because depending on how you pour the milk it creates a different taste of the espresso itself.”

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Pat Cooper, Airplane mechanic 

“I enjoy the challenge and the ability to figure these hard things out. It’s a very good feeling to be able to fix things and put things together and get them to work.”

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“I was always curious about how things worked since I was a little kid and always in the back of these magazines you would always see pictures of people fixing cars or go to school and learned to do this.” 

“I worked in my dad’s shop when I was younger, and it has always been something I was drawn to.”

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Mariah Brown, Seamstress

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“It’s a dying art. It is nice to sit down and do something that makes you feel like you are bringing back a little history. I think every parent should at least teach their kids about how to sew a button on their shirt when they are little. “

About JOUR 4350

JOUR 4350 is the multiplatform news delivery class, which is the capstone class for journalism majors within the College of Media & Communication.