Why I'm Welding by Sarah

Why I'm Welding by Sarah - May 2023 Scholarship Essay

I'm currently majoring in Welding because I want to develop hard skills and actually make things. I decided to go back to school for welding after being laid off from a field office position with an construction company. While working there, I realized I missed working with my hands and seeing physical results of my work and improvement. I missed feeling that sense of accomplishment you get by making things, whether by myself or as part of a group.

Until I started really looking into welding programs, I didn't quite realize how big the profession is. I'm looking forward to finding out the pros and cons of different processes, finding different and new applications. Welding products are so wide ranging - from permanent jewelry, decorating, artwork, automotive, roadwork and bridges, buildings, pipelines, heating/cooling and power production.

I'm planning to use what I learn in college to secure a position with a repair and/or manufacturing shop. I want to continue to develop my skills and experience and eventually establish my own welding and repair shop. Using that shop, I want to develop a community outreach program to increase accessibility to welding and fabrication education and experience. Welding is a field of continual professional development, of constant growth.