Brattican Scholarship

6/16/2025 Entering the world of carpentry as a female student presents a challenge that can be approached with enthusiasm and determination. Carpentry involves precision, ingenuity, and a deep understanding of materials and structure. The goal is to gain the necessary training and skills to succeed in this field, build a fulfilling career, and contribute to increasing female representation while shattering outdated stereotypes in the trades. My passion for carpentry began at a young age, perhaps by watching my dad who is a carpenter. I have been helping him ever since I was a little girl. This early exposure sparked a desire to understand the process and create with my own hands. Hands-on projects can be a great way to excel, such as excelling in shop classes or volunteering for community-building initiatives. The field of carpentry has traditionally been male-dominated, and while challenges associated with entering a male-majority workforce exist, they are not a deterrent. Instead, it is an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and capabilities that women bring to the trades. Diversity in any field leads to innovation and growth, and the carpentry industry is no exception. It is important to learn from experienced professionals, both male and female and contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming environment for future female carpenters. A scholarship can be instrumental in helping someone pursue a carpentry program, reducing the financial burden, and allowing a focus on studies and practical training. Dedication to mastering the craft and becoming a skilled and knowledgeable carpenter is key. With passion and comprehensive training, one can become a valuable asset to the carpentry community. My parents will try to help me pay for my tools for the carpentry program at Alexandria Technical and Community College. I am working two jobs to support my education. A scholarship would greatly help me so I wouldn't have to work as much while in school. The goal is to build structures while also mentoring and inspiring other young women to explore their potential in the trades. By pursuing a career in carpentry, the goal is to contribute to a positive change within the industry. Supporting education can be an investment in a future where skilled trades are accessible to everyone, regardless of gender. The ability to work hard, learn from the best, and demonstrate that women are just as capable and passionate about shaping the world with their hands is key. One of my passions is helping out others. By getting a degree in Construction/ carpentry I plan on helping rebuild in communities impacted by natural disasters. Thank you for reading my scholarship submission. Sincerely Aspen Rose Morrissey

I plan to have a positive impact on the world by encouraging and inspiring women to pursue the trades. After high school, I will be attending Walla Walla Community College to pursue an Associates in Applied Sciences in Welding Technology. I didn't originally aspire to be a welder. My journey began when I was 14 years old and received my dream truck, a 1940 Chevy pickup, from a family friend. Over the past three years, I've been working on restoring that truck. Initially, my dad insisted I take a welding class to learn how to weld pieces for my truck. Unfortunately, my experience in high school welding class wasn't the best. I had to teach myself to run a bead because my instructor focused on the boys in the class and the boys did not offer me much help either. Despite this, I persevered. Fast forward two years, and I'm now teaching freshmen how to weld and applying for trade school. Taking these classes made me realize how much I enjoy welding and working on fabrication projects. Now, I want to learn different welding techniques so I can do any job that comes my way. I'm not the type to sit at a desk all day. I like being hands-on and staying busy. This experience in high school has really shaped my plans for after graduation. If I hadn't gotten that truck, I might never have tried welding. But now, I'm excited about becoming a certified welder and maybe even traveling around the country for work. One thing I want to do in my career is to encourage more women to consider trades, especially male dominated fields such as welding. I think it's important for there to be more diversity in these fields. I want to show other females that they can do this kind of work, too. By sharing my story and helping other women get interested in trades, I hope to make a difference. I also believe in the importance of learning and growing in your career. As I become more experienced, I want to help teach others, especially young women who are just starting out. Something I see myself doing in the future is going back to college to receive my Career and Technical Education Degree. I want to become an agriculture and welding teacher later on so I can inspire and teach younger generations how to weld. I want to be a role model for younger women and show them that they can succeed in an industry such as welding. Welding is more than just a job to me; it's a passion that has ignited a fire within me to excel in the trade industry. My journey with welding began unexpectedly, but it has grown into a deep-seated desire to make a difference in the field and inspire others, especially women, to pursue their passions fearlessly. Through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and contribute positively to the welding industry. You can be assured that I am a capable candidate for your generous support. Thank you for your consideration.