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Flash Forward Alumni Spotlight: Honey Mariscal-Cruz '23

  • Alumni Spotlight
Flash Forward Alumni Spotlight: Honey Mariscal-Cruz '23
Flash Forward Alumni Spotlight: Honey Mariscal-Cruz '23

Building A Future Through Skilled Trades

Honey Mariscal-Cruz

Federal Way High School, Class of 2023
Carpenters Apprenticeship

When Honey Mariscal-Cruz graduated in 2023, she knew one thing for certain—college wasn’t the path she wanted to take. Instead, she wanted a career where she could build something real, learn every day, and create a stable future for herself and her family. 

Today, Honey is doing exactly that as a General Carpenter with Ahora Construction, proving that success can take many different paths. 

Discovering a career pathway in high school 

While attending Federal Way Public Schools, Honey found direction through the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship program, a hands-on class that introduced students to careers in the building trades. The experience helped her envision what a future in construction could look like and allowed her to meet industry professionals who were already working in the field. 

One person who made a lasting impact was Ms. Charissa Eggleston, who, at the time, was a CTE Facilitator and helped get the pre-apprenticeship program going. Eggleston worked to recruit students, particularly female students, to try out the class. Honey credits her with helping open doors that would shape her career. 

The program's inaugural year was Honey's senior year, during which she connected with contractors and built employable skills. Through the program, Eggleston helped Honey learn about opportunities through the Northwest Carpenters Institute (NWCI) that could lead directly into a carpenters apprenticeship. 

“I don’t think I would have been able to get in if it wasn’t for her help,” Honey says. 

Finding confidence and direction 

Honey describes herself as a naturally shy person. But during her time in the program, she had opportunities to meet and speak with professionals from many different careers who visited the school. 

Those conversations helped her slowly build confidence and learn the importance of networking — skills that would later become valuable when searching for job opportunities. 

“Talking with people and networking really helps, especially when you’re hustling for work,” she says. 

Choosing a path after graduation 

Like many graduates, Honey experienced a period of uncertainty after high school. She knew she didn’t want to attend college, but was still figuring out what direction she wanted her career to take. 

During that time, she leaned on conversations with her mom and other family members while reflecting on her goals for the future. 

“I thought about what I would want best for my family and future children,” she says. “I want a good career and to be able to provide for my family no matter what.” 

That reflection led her back to the pathway she discovered in high school: the carpenters apprenticeship. 

Learning something new every day 

Now working in construction, Honey is building both homes and a career that continues to grow. 

One of the things she enjoys most about the field is that no two days are the same. Every project brings new challenges and new skills to learn. 

“In construction, I realized there are so many things that I can learn every day,” she says. 

A pathway worth building 

Honey’s journey is a powerful reminder that there are many ways to build a successful future. Through career-connected learning and skilled trades programs, students can discover opportunities that lead directly from the classroom to meaningful careers. 

For Honey, that opportunity started in a high school classroom, and today, it’s helping her build the life she envisioned. 

To read more alumni stories, visit www.fwps.org/AlumniSpotlight. 

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