Not every student is college-bound -- and that is not a failure. It is a reality we have ignored for too long. Southern Maryland needs more pathways for students who want to build careers with their hands, their skills, and their technical expertise.

We currently have limited vocational infrastructure beyond the high school's tech center. That is not enough. A licensed electrician, a master plumber, a hair stylist, a skilled IT technician like I started out as; these are not fallback options. These are careers that power our communities and pay living wages.

I will advocate for expanded trade and vocational programming, stronger partnerships between our schools and local industries, and pathways that give every student a real shot at a successful future on their own terms.