How did a carpenter wind up as a Public Relations major at Waynesburg University? That is an excellent question because that is my story, and boy, am I glad to tell it. My name is Steve Trettel, and I am currently a junior at Waynesburg University.
Initially, I had no desire to go to college. I was an honors student in high school, achieving a 4.0 GPA with high scores on multiple AP exams. Combined with my Eagle Scout rank, I was primed to apply to any college I wanted, but like many students coming out of high school, I was burnt out from academics.
During my high school summers, I worked as a residential tradesman, framing houses, installing roofs, cutting tile—work I greatly enjoyed. So, when a friend from Scouts, not three years older than me, shared he had already purchased his first house after joining the Carpenters Union, I saw green in my future.
Through him, I applied to the Union’s four-year apprenticeship program in fall 2021 and was hired as an apprentice with a trade show display marketing agency in Warrendale, PA. Jumping into the trades from high school was a culture shock, but I quickly acclimated. The trades are not easy. The people can be difficult, and the culture can be a challenge, but I was happy.
As an apprentice, I assisted journeymen carpenters building massive trade show booths while learning their techniques. Over time, I gained greater responsibility—overseeing shipping, repairing booths and building sections myself. Every few months, I trained at the Keystone Mountain Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters Headquarters. I entered with sixteen apprentices; by the end of year one, only eight remained.
I worked in this role for a little under two years. As time passed, I felt unsatisfied. I know college is not for everyone, nor is it necessary for a successful life—my classmates who became journeymen are proof of that. But in my own heart, I knew I wanted a career that emphasized different skills, and to make the switch, I needed a college education.
The idea came when I visited my friend, Tim Durkin, a Class of 2023 graduate, on Waynesburg’s beautiful campus. Here I met people and got a sense for college life. I went back multiple times, and as time went on, I began to think, “What if?”
In February 2023, I applied. My parents were incredibly supportive through the process, and less than a month later, I was accepted. I decided to pursue communication. The marketing side of trade shows interested me, and the friction between the carpentry shop and the office showed me that good communication was not a guarantee. If I could fill that gap, I could help people.
I worked through the spring preparing for college—until tragedy struck. My father, who believed I could have a far greater impact with a college education, died. I will spare the details, but in the context of my education, it motivated me to be the best student I could be and to honor his memory.
My freshman year, I jumped in immediately. I had not realized how much I missed education. I joined the Student Activities Board, the Yellow Jacket newspaper, Student Senate and more, building lasting relationships across campus.
In my second semester, I joined the University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and Red Brick Communications, Waynesburg’s student-run PR firm. After an introductory Communication course, I realized the career I was searching for was public relations. At the end of freshman year, Professor Richard Krause asked if I wanted to run the student firm my sophomore year. I did not feel prepared, but the role led to many adventures—traveling to Anaheim for PRSSA’s national conference, recruiting clients, hosting a PR conference and our firm receiving National Affiliation status.
Today, I continue my work with PRSSA, serving on the International Publications Subcommittee while working with our chapter as executive administrator. Last summer, I interned with Flying Scooter Productions in Pittsburgh, doing media relations for law firms and documentary films. On January 28, I was awarded the Bob O’Gara Scholarship at Pittsburgh PRSA’s Renaissance Awards, standing alongside global PR agencies as an award winner.
My journey has brought me a long way. I am thankful for my time in carpentry, for my parents’ unconditional love and support, for work I find fulfilling and for God leading me to Waynesburg.
My hope is that students decades into the future can experience the same opportunities I have. Waynesburg offers incredible programs that enable driven students to excel.
More about the Department of Communication at Waynesburg University
Through practical experiences, you'll develop a portfolio of work that will impress employers. Beginning your first week, you will have the opportunity to practice what you're learning in your Communication classes.
