Casey always found his career gratifying because the results were tangible and visually apparent: he took pride in his role in constructing large buildings in what was once empty space. He also enjoyed positively impacting others. He vividly recalls a sense of fulfillment when he helped other crew members become more adept at their jobs and when he ensured that customers were satisfied with a project’s results. 

Casey learned to become more tolerant from his interaction with people from different backgrounds. At first, he faced communication barriers and social misunderstandings once he began working with Spanish-speaking crew members. Casey overcame that challenge by learning the language, an act that earned him colleagues’ respect and a position as foreman.

Through his persistence and work ethic, Casey rose through the organizational hierarchy and assumed managerial roles. These senior positions required Casey to take responsibility for his team’s performance and persevere through adversity. When he accepted a superintendent role at a construction project in Tennessee, several contractors defected from the team as higher-paying positions were available elsewhere. Rather than focus on the negative, Casey quickly located, hired, and trained substitute workers. His efforts paid off: the project in Tennessee, the largest in the country at the time, was successfully completed.

While incarcerated, I would have resonated with Casey’s lesson on tolerance. At a federal prison in Fort Dix, New Jersey, I was incarcerated alongside prisoners from 91 different countries. In that environment, the prisoners most eager to show tolerance were the most likely to succeed. Casey’s willingness to learn Spanish would have also impressed me as proof of his respect for others and open mindedness.  

In addition, I would have admired Casey’s continued persistence, hard work, and desire to perform well. The personality traits that he acquired as a child enabled him to advance in his professional life. He also distinguishes himself through his pride in his work – he appreciates seeing his team succeed by meeting or exceeding the customers’ requirements.