This article was written by Abby Hamm, UT student in agricultural leadership, education, and communications.
Construction Science and Management Alum Gage Parks Builds a Legacy for Himself as a Field Engineer at Hensel Phelps in Guam.
What drew you to the Herbert College of Agriculture and/or UT Knoxville?
Like most Tennessee natives, I longed to attend our state’s flagship campus. It was always a dream that I thought would not be financially attainable. However, after reviewing all my college offers, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, was going to give the most financial aid in comparison to various other in-state or out-of-state universities. Because of this, and the love I already had for the culture, city, and school, the decision to pursue UT Knoxville was the most obvious choice.
Likewise, during my first year, I found myself in an exploratory program where Sonja Burk spoke about the Herbert College of Agriculture and, more specifically, the construction science and management program. Her analogy of Herbert being like a small town hit home for me, coming from the single red light town of Lynchburg, Tennessee, where I graduated with only about seventy students. With the program being so small, you become very close with the students and faculty. The students in my entry-level classes would eventually become the same ones I would take my capstone classes alongside.
Also, the college is a hidden gem at the university, nestled near the river where the state’s botanical garden leaves a common area for students, like me, to enjoy a breath of fresh air between classes. Beyond the exterior of the college, I fell in love with the program and its people, which also felt like home. Even the staff at Mabel’s, the southern kitchen at the college, was always very warm and welcoming to the students. Every part of the college, from its atmosphere to its food, made it feel like home.
Why did you pursue your career path in construction?
Growing up, my dad had his own construction business where I would often spend my days off from school helping him. This sparked my love for building and seeing something grow from nothing. Eventually, I came to not only enjoy the fruitful feeling of building, but also the process. From start to finish, there are many different minds and hands that must come together to produce even the simplest of projects. After being introduced to the construction world and realizing what it takes, I realized I wanted to learn everything about the business because I truly love what I do.
What are some challenges you face in your career?
On a personal level, work has taken me over 7,000 miles west over the Pacific Ocean to the island of Guam, leaving me with a twenty-hour flight to come home. With loved ones having milestones in life, being apart from them and the celebrations has been difficult. With the fifteen-hour time difference, my window for a phone call is limited, leaving only the early mornings and late evenings to talk to my family and friends.
Also, on a career level, with the project being in Southeast Asia, there is a language barrier at times. The project is a joint venture with a Japanese general contractor, but we also employ around forty Filipino craftsmen directly. Luckily, most speak English to some degree, but I often do struggle to communicate. Over time, I have begun to keep up with them and form a better understanding of what they may be asking, and have learned to speak more slowly and audibly.
Lastly, with the project being on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, obtaining materials for the project has been a huge challenge. Oftentimes, we find ourselves looking many months ahead to ensure the material will arrive on-site. There have been several occasions where our team will look to the Philippines and other countries for material/equipment if there are barriers with getting it from the US.
What have you learned during your experience in Guam?
Building in Guam has been one of the most fruitful experiences of my life. I have learned about the logistical nightmare of ordering material for a project 7,000 miles away from the mainland. I have learned how every birthday is a huge milestone in Filipino culture and is one worth throwing a massive party for (full of karaoke!). I have learned to truly appreciate the people who keep tabs on you, especially when you are halfway across the world.
The biggest takeaway I have received from this experience has been the mindset change to say “yes” to as many opportunities as possible. During my tours as an ambassador, I would often leave the students with a last bit of advice: “It does not matter where you go to college, college will only be what you make it.” I feel that I have had to heed my own advice here in Guam. I could sit in my apartment on the weekends, but would that really be taking advantage of the opportunity in front of me? With water as crystal clear as glass, full of the best snorkeling in the world, and Southeast Asia only a four-hour flight away, I would not be doing myself any favors sitting around and not taking advantage of all that is around me.
I feel that the mindset to say “yes” can make life happen. If I had not thrown my hat in the ring and said yes to this opportunity, I would not have the memories and friendships I do today. Being willing to try new things, see new places, meet strangers, and take risks is what life is about.
How did Herbert/UT Knoxville help prepare you for this opportunity?
I owe the University of Tennessee for all the opportunities that they have not only put in place for me but also prepared me for. This begins with the curriculum of the construction science and management program. My company is self-performing much of the work here in Guam, and that includes the entire cast-in-place structure on-site. My role as a field engineer includes, but is not limited to, laying out the building and ensuring it is being built to reflect the owner’s drawings. Because of classes like construction surveying, I had a better understanding going into this position of what it takes to lay out a building. Likewise, another class that benefited me in my current position was construction estimating. This class exposed me to the process involved in creating material takeoffs for concrete and other materials. This is very important in my role here since I order concrete for placements and other materials, like CMU for our self-perform scopes.
Beyond the curriculum, being a Herbert Scholar at the university helped prepare me for this opportunity. Through the Herbert Scholars program, I was able to travel to other parts of the US to experience internships during the summer. This helped me get out of my comfort zone early before taking a leap like this one! These experiences also gave me the tools to adjust to new areas when traveling for work and adjusting to new coworkers. These internships gave me a strong foundation that exposed me to many different aspects of the business early on in my career.
Any faculty or staff mentors you want to give a shoutout to?
I would love to give Sonja Burk a shoutout. Without Sonja, I would not have heard about the construction science and management program, nor would I have had the college experience I had. She was the most personable and helpful adviser who always had her door open for students. I often found myself making my way to her office just to chat and waste her time! She was always there for career, college, and life advice. Not only was she a great mentor, but also a great coach. Sonja pushed me to join the Herbert Ambassador program, which led to so many great memories and friendships. She also pushed me to apply for various scholarships that I received. I can say without a doubt that Sonja Burk directly affected my career and life in the most positive way.
Cassie Johnson is another mentor and friend I came to know during my time at the university. Cassie was my boss during my tenure as a Herbert Ambassador, but quickly transitioned to one of my best friends and mentors. Cassie works endlessly at the university, leaving little time for herself. However, despite her limited time, she always ensured to make time for me and other students. Because of Cassie’s love for Herbert and its people, the college is the warm place it is today.
