Building a new life: Jenny Nguyen finds her calling at Eastside Training Center

By Jean Borst

For years, Jenny Nguyen mixed and served drinks behind the bar at Muckleshoot Casino. It was good money and steady work – but it took time away from what mattered most. And deep down, she dreamed of building something more lasting.

“I’ve always been interested in flipping houses,” she said. “I love HGTV, Chip and Joanna Gaines – all of it. The idea of taking something old and making it beautiful really speaks to me.”

That spark led Nguyen to the Construction Technology program at Clover Park Technical College’s Eastside Training Center (ETC), where she’s now laying the foundation for a career – and a future – she truly loves.

Taking the leap

Making the decision to start her journey at CPTC wasn’t easy. As a single mom of two, Nguyen had to find childcare, juggle finances and make peace with walking away from a well-paying job.

“I asked myself, ‘Can I really go to school and only work one day a week? Is it worth it?’” she said. “It definitely is. I’m learning something new every day, and I know I’m working toward a job I want to have for the rest of my life.”

But it’s the bigger picture that keeps her motivated.

“Once I finish this program, I’ll have more time with my kids and more stability for all of us.”

Finding her place

As the only woman in her class, Nguyen’s early days at ETC were nerve-wracking.

“It felt weird at first, and I wondered if maybe I didn’t belong there,” she said.

Those doubts faded quickly. Her instructor, Jack Hagey, and her classmates became a source of constant encouragement.

“Jack has been amazing,” Nguyen said. “On days when I feel discouraged or like I don’t belong, he’s there reminding me that I’m doing great – that I do belong here. My classmates never make me feel small when I don’t know something. They show me. It feels like community, and I need that.”

Even her therapist has noticed the change.

“She told me she can see a sparkle and hope in my eyes again,” Nguyen said with a smile. “That’s how I know I made the right choice.”

Learning by doing

The Eastside Training Center’s hands-on learning model has transformed how Nguyen sees herself.

“I always thought I was a bad student,” she said. “But then I realized I’m a kinesthetic learner. Learning with my hands made everything click. I discovered that I really am smart.”

Her confidence shines through in her work. During her first quarter, she built a full backyard patio set and a raised garden bed for her mom, who is recovering from a stroke.

“I was terrified of using power tools at first,” she admitted. “But now I love it.”

Building dreams, giving back

Nguyen is set to graduate in winter 2027. Her dream? To flip homes and make them truly one-of-a-kind – complete with hidden rooms and creative spaces inspired by her time as a contestant on American Ninja Warrior.

“I’d love to design obstacle courses for people – inside or outside their homes,” she said. “It’s something unique and fun that brings out joy.”

She also hopes to use her skills to build shelters for people experiencing homelessness in her community.

“Everyone deserves a place to feel safe,” she said. “That’s what the Eastside Training Center gave me. A place where I could learn, grow and feel safe.”

Worth the effort

For anyone thinking about following a similar path, Nguyen’s advice is simple.

“Go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something or that it’s a man’s job,” she said. “Everything worth having is hard, but it’s worth the effort. Even if it’s not for you, you’ll pick up new skills and make something for yourself.”