The skilled trade I am planning on studying is welding. One day, my agriculture teacher asked if I could help him with welding in hog houses afterschool and I could make some extra money to help out at home. I didn’t know anything about welding at the time, but I gave it a shot. I was fascinated from the start, there were so many different things you could do with welding. I saved up my money, bought myself a cheap Chinese welder, and started practicing at home. The more I got involved the more I liked it. My teacher told my mom that I was really good and should go to college for it. I thought he was crazy, "me go to college." My dad and stepdad never finished high school let alone college. My family did not stress college for men, "Men Work" they say. The more I got involved and learned about welding the more I researched schools and certifications. My teacher and I convinced my mom to take a trip to Kentucky and I got to visit Kentucky Welding Institute. I saw firsthand "welding in action" I just knew that's what I wanted to do!
I planned this career because I was born with a hearing impairment and did not talk until I was three years old. My mom and I sacrificed so much for me to get where I am today. There have been many obstacles in my life that I have overcome. I always felt like I had something to prove to the world because I was living with a disability. I worked hard in school to pass my classes despite starting my high school career through covid when people wore masks, and I read lips!! I love to weld, and I know I would be successfully in this trade because it works for me and my abilities.
I define success as being a good-hearted man, paying my own bills, and enjoying work. Honestly this opportunity will help me achieve my goals and passions because I am working to pay for my own college. My stepdad went to rehab two different times last year for alcohol and was only home five months out of the year. I worked extra to help my mom pay bills while going to high school. I have managed to pay the $750.00 room and board deposit and $3,000.00 towards tuition to the trade school in Kentucky but all tuition is due up front by Day 1. I am working full time seven days a week at an Aggrow company that specializes in miscanthus grass to achieve my goal of attending college. I am also attending my final year in high school, a Senior class officer, a FFA officer, a member of my local volunteer fire department and I will be the first male in my family to attend college.
The added bonus of being a welder for me is the opportunity to travel to other states, meet new people, do something I love, and being a good provider for my mom and little sister. I have a passion for welding and look forward to becoming a certified welder. Thank you for considering me for the Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship.
I have been around cars my whole life. My grandfather owned a used car dealership when I was younger. I spent a lot of time at the car lot; some of my favorite memories are sitting behind the wheel of classic cars, playing with keys or proudly perched on Poppa's knee behind his big desk. Poppa has a passion for cars and I wanted to grow up to be just like him. Now, I eat, sleep and dream about cars; even more than him. I'm regularly texting or calling Poppa about cars that I see or want. In recent years, we have even planned family vacations around car shows, museums and driving experiences.
It was my sophomore year and I was in the middle of tryouts for our High School soccer team. During day 2 of tryouts, I had to stop and sitout because of the sharp pain I was feeling in my hip and down my leg. Coach wouldn't let me continue with tryouts that week until I was cleared by the trainer, who then sent me to my family doctor. After weeks of x-rays, physical therapy and body scans, I was diagnosed with Spondylosis a condition essentially caused by extreme growth and the root of my pain was a fracture in my lower spine. That summer I had to wear a back brace 24/7; only removing it for an hour each day. I missed out on a lot of events that summer, however, it was during that time that I grew a love for cars and have developed a clear path for my future career. I too learned a lot about being an overcomer and pushing myself to achieve any goal set before me.
My love of cars has only grown since that summer and learning to drive. I decided that I'd like to know how to work on cars, so I took an Introduction to Automotive Mechanics class. I ended up enjoying the class and now in my senior year, I serve as the shop manager. I'm currently working at an Automotive Shop alongside a master mechanic who used to work for my family's dealership and have grown my skills even more. I too am learning how to restore a '66 Chevelle that Poppa purchased as a project car for me.
My initial plan post graduation from trade school would be to work for an established dealership that would help me apply my skills and gain additional experience in my passion areas of automotive restoration, high-performance vehicles and modifications. My long-term dream would be to own my own used car dealership and service center or work for a manufacturer such as Shelby, Corvette or Roush. My even bigger goal is to one day be able to employ and give back to students from the CTE program at my high school.
As a hard worker, I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty or tackle any obstacle that may arise. I use work ethic in my everyday life by arriving early, not just on time, and by being prepared with the tools needed for whatever tasks I may have ahead of me. Time management and preparedness are important in the automotive industry to ensure there’s enough time allowance to complete tasks, stay on schedule for your customers and have the appropriate tools to get the job done. As an honest auto mechanic, customers grow to trust and rely on individuals like myself who will get the job done efficiently, keep a clean workspace and regularly exhibit a positive attitude.
