Black History Month Highlight – Jurii Edwards

Jurii Edwards

 

How has your heritage, events, or people in your life shaped who you are today?

I grew up in Oakland, California where my mom raised me and my two other siblings by herself. I was a middle child and I had the responsibility to care for everyone. I took care of the house; started cooking at the age of 10 and one of the specific meals I would make would be frying pork chops. I give a lot of credit to my mom; she is the pillar and has shaped me into who I am today.

 

What achievements/sacrifices have you made to get you where you are today?

I started in Washington DC working two jobs at the time. I worked at Dunkin Donuts and a grocery store, and it still wasn’t enough to survive. I took an electrical class and this was the leap of faith for working at Helix. For 3 years, I didn’t have a car and it was always snowing. I took the train every Tuesday and Thursday to Maryland University and at the time I lived in Washington DC south of Maryland University.

 

Why is Black History Month important to you and what would you like others to know regarding BHM?

We recognize Black History for our ancestors that paved the way for us, the ones that came before us and one day I will be one of them. I don’t look at color and Helix does not look at color and there are many places that don’t look at color. If you are given an opportunity, it is up to you to apply yourself.

 

How do you hope to honor Black History Month as you continue to achieve at Helix?

I want to teach my kids about black history so they can carry on the same traits that I did. My dad was a part of my life, he worked as a professor and taught me a lot about our history. He also taught me to pass that knowledge down to future generations, so that we can pave the way.

 

Who or what inspires you to make your mark at Helix?

I am inspired most by my Superintendent Joe Campos and lead, Omar Flores. They both allow you to show your work and give us the right to do our best. I like the culture at Helix. Helix has taught me everything I know.