At LDHS, the building construction class taught by former LDHS student and coach Joseph Adams, ’12, is more than just learning to use tools, read blueprints or building. Adams believes that teaching his students respect and kindness in the world is just as important as teaching construction. In today’s world, people often forget to treat others with dignity, but he focuses on showing students that respect, kindness and care will shape up the person they are in the classroom and in the real world.
Adams grew up in Laurens and was a student and wrestler at LDHS from 2008-2012. Adams then attended Spartanburg Methodist College to wrestle, but shortly after a year he decided to leave Spartanburg Methodist and pursue a career in the military shortly after a year. Adams joined the U.S. Army where his Military Occupational Specific (MOS) was construction, and this was one of the main reasons he got into the construction industry. Adams grew up around blue-collar work, but it was not construction, so his military experience helped him to get to know the industry.
Adams first became an assistant coach for the LDHS wrestling team in 2016 while still serving his four years in the military. Then shortly after being an assistant coach for LDHS, in 2017 Adams became the building construction teacher and after inheriting the program, Adams started to build it.
Adams believes that one of his biggest goals as a teacher is to teach his students one simple principle:
“Don’t be a dirtbag,” Adams said. “So many different people in this world that only care about them[selves] or they only care about quote- unquote ‘heir’ cause.”
He believes that teaching his students how to be humble and kind, not only in the classroom but also in everyday life, to be more respectful, no matter what, is the main goal.
Some of Adams’ favorite part of teaching building construction is being able to move around and let his students do hands-on activities.
Adams believes that teaching in general is great, but one of the main reasons Adams loves teaching construction is that it allows him and his students to work on projects and learn skills that could be used later in life.
“I think teaching in itself, no matter what you’re teaching, is great,” Adams said.
A fun fact about Adams that not many people know is that he is stronger than he looks.
“I may be 32 and 5‘5”, but I’m a pretty strong little guy,” he said.
Adams continues to work out everyday with his family and post his workouts on his social media in hopes of being able to motivate his friends and followers. Adams plans on opening a fitness center in the future to help others and especially young athletes achieve their fitness goals.
Adams students share their opinion on Adams and how he impacts their life and classes. Sophomore David Whalen shares that the most important thing he’s learned from construction is “Not just construction but life skills, Adams always has good advice, and a safe person to talk to” David said.
David also shares the most important thing that makes Adams stand out from all his other teachers he’s had in the past and currently have, “How involved he is and he’s somebody you can always count on because of how open he is and makes his class fun too” David said. David also explains what makes construction overall, “Being hands on really and learning how to do skills you can’t normally learn at a school, also just having fun in here, and I enjoy construction a lot” David said.
Junior Marco Cruz shares his opinion on Adams and how he’s impacted his life.
“The main thing learned is communication between you and your peers because Mr. Adams is someone that understands his students,” Marco said. Marco also shares what makes Adams stand out from all his other teachers, “He is more lenient, really helps out his student and not strict,” Marco said.
Marco also shares what makes construction fun overall and why he enjoys the class, “Being able to be creative also makes art and anything” Marco said.
Senior Brett Dean explains what’s the most important thing Adams has taught him, “How to be safe especially with power tools, electrical, and putting up walls” Brett said. Brett also explains and shares what makes Adams stand out from all the other teachers he’s had, “He acts more like a friend than a teacher and connects more with his students than just doing his job and wants you to pass,” Brett said. He also shares why he enjoys being in construction, “Definitely it being more hands on, not like the rest of classes where you’re sitting on your chromebook, but back here you get to build stuff” Brett said. Adams really makes his students feel welcome to his class and connects with them and shares not only just construction but the importance of life.
Adams still continues to work as the building construction teacher and shows his students that the true foundation of any project is character. Adams had shown his students that kindness and responsibility are as important as measurements and materials. By being able to have high standards and teaching them about the importance of loving one another, he has helped shape not only hard workers, but young adults who understand the value of honesty and integrity.
