KTEC: All about being smart

The editor's column on KTEC was to be a positive spin on the need for a campus such as this and yet managed to insult several million hard working Americans as not smart enough to advance themselves enough through college let alone finish the rigors of a traditional high school. My husband has worked in the construction field for some 30 years, and can tell you that those who cannot show up to school and complete the workload will not make a successful career in the construction, welding or mechanical fields either. You do need to be "book smart" in all of those fields; to say less is demeaning. Math comes into play every day, reading blueprints, figuring out mechanical issues on your car to your heating system takes thought processes most of us have no clue of.

Higher education of traditional college does not equal success. Ask all the BAs and MBAs who are working $40,000 a year jobs if they feel successful, or if they have a job now. Success comes from passion, drive and desire. So next time you drive down your well maintained road in your finely tuned car, through your beautifully designed gates up to your well constructed home take the time to remember who makes it all possible. Passionate talented and, yes, highly intelligent tradespeople. KTEC is what we have needed for a long time, but you still have to show up and do the work, and be smart about it.

SUSAN MENSCHING

Coeur d'Alene