Dustan Biegler Memorial Scholarship

My name is Nyomi Hill. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio by my guardian, Stace (whom I now refer to as "mom"). My biological mother was a teenager when she had me and was unable to properly care for me. I was in and out of stable housing for the first several years of my life. Once I moved in with Stace and she gained custody of me when I was 11 years old, my life became much more stable. Unfortunately, by that point, I had a lot to overcome. Traditional school has never been exciting for me and I have always enjoyed academic activities that included hands-on and problem solving experiences. For this reason, I decided to go to a career-tech school in 11th grade and entered the welding program there. I completed my first year there and earned my welding certificate. My welding instructor, Mr. McElfresh, had a major impact on me this past year. He helped me realize the potential I have in the field of welding. He encouraged me and provided the guidance I needed. Because of him, my confidence has improved and I feel much more comfortable working in a field where I am a minority, both in gender and ethnicity. He showed me I am just as good as any other welder and instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment in me. Because of his support and encouragement, I was able to finish my academic classes in order to graduate high school this summer, a year early, while also working full time. While I have faced a lot of adversity in my life, I have learned to be resilient and I am motivated to better myself and go to school. My biological mom and dad did not complete any education past high school, so I will be a first-generation post-secondary student. I feel that my upbringing, while difficult and full of challenges, has made me into the person I am today. I am dedicated to my welding career and truly enjoy the art of welding. I look forward to seeing what the welding field has in store for my future. My career objectives include finishing at Tulsa Welding School sometime in the summer of 2026 and then seeking full-time employment as a welder. I would love to get myself established and then be able to give back to the welding community and more specifically, support women in the field. If there are opportunities to mentor or become a visiting instructor at welding schools across the country, I would welcome those opportunities with open arms.

I’m choosing to pursue a career in Tower Crane Operating because I’m ready to stop watching others build the world, and start building it myself. For years, I’ve worked hard behind the scenes in office administration, keeping operations running, solving problems, managing people and priorities. While I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished, I know in my heart it’s time for a new chapter one that’s hands-on, impactful, and rooted in real skill. I want a career that reflects my strength, my independence, and the deep determination that has carried me through every chapter of my life. As a woman and a single mother, I’ve faced more than my share of obstacles. I’ve had to stretch resources, juggle responsibilities, and push forward when quitting would’ve been easier. But I’ve never been one to shy away from hard work, and I’ve never let the word “impossible” stop me. I’m drawn to the trades because they demand grit, focus, and precision—the same qualities I’ve relied on every day to raise my children, keep a household running, and build a life from the ground up. The difference now is that I want to take those same qualities and apply them in a field where I can grow, earn a strong living, and see the real-time impact of what I do. There’s something powerful about looking up at a skyline and knowing that human hands—and minds—put it there. That’s what excites me about tower crane operating. It's not just a job—it's a career that literally moves the world. Every lift, every load, every structure is a reminder that the work matters. I want to be part of that. I want to be able to point to a building and tell my boys, “I helped make that happen.” I want them to see their mother not just surviving but thriving in a field that’s often overlooked by women—especially women like me. They are my biggest inspiration. I want them to understand that there’s no one path to success, and that reinvention is not only possible—it’s powerful. What motivates me most about this career path is not just what it can do for me, but what I can do with it. I want to help open doors. I want to represent possibility for other women who feel boxed in by expectations or held back by circumstances. I want to prove that you don’t have to come from a certain background or follow a straight path to make it in this industry. If I can make this transition, learn the skills, and master this craft, then maybe someone else who’s been second-guessing their potential will feel bold enough to do the same. In this next phase of my life, I’m ready to climb—literally and figuratively. I’m ready to trade in paperwork for purpose, and swap office walls for open skies. Tower crane operating isn’t just a job I want—it’s a future I’m determined to build.

My name is Marcus Leal, and I am looking for a career as an electrician through South Texas College's Electrical Associate of Applied Science AAS program. I am drawn to the skilled trades because they offer stability, good pay, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in my community. Since I was little, I was fascinated by electric systems, be it helping my uncle fix it or observing the electricians. Over time, this fascination had grown into something more, a passion, and now I am all set to turn that passion into a career. Dustan Biegler's story touches my heart on such a personal way. He was a humble and hardworking roofer who wanted others also to be successful. Dustan's leadership and perseverance inspire me not only to excel in my trade but also to help others build successful careers in their chosen fields. I believe that a successful tradesperson is not only defined by technical proficiency but also by being able to mentor and empower other individuals. Dustan’s dedication to others’ success motivates me to follow in his footsteps, make a difference, and lead by guiding others in their careers. A key reason for my decision to enter the electrical trade is my father. He is disabled and receives government assistance, but much of his income is taken due to child support, leaving us financially unstable. Despite all these setbacks, my father has always worked tirelessly to sustain our family, and he has imparted to me the values of determination, honesty, and commitment. His own sacrifices have instilled in me the importance of building a better tomorrow. His words of wisdom, "Build yourself a good future so you don't end up like me," have been etched in my mind since then. I would like to honor his sacrifices by creating a stable future for my family and myself, removing ourselves from the financial instability that he is presently facing and doing something that will endure for us. By enrolling in STC's training program, I am excited about gaining the technical knowledge and on-the-job experience necessary to become a successful electrician. Work as an electrician is an expansive field with much potential, from wiring residential single-family dwellings to major commercial buildings. My final objective is to have my own electrical company. Not only will this bring wealth to my family, but I will also be able to educate and mentor the inexperienced in the trade. Like Dustan and my dad helped me, I want to be a mentor and a role model for others to assist them in becoming successful within their careers. In addition to technical skills, I am driven by a desire to benefit society. Electricians play an important role in making electrical systems safe and effective, and I want to be able to make a difference through providing quality services. I also want to motivate others to come into the trades and mentor the newbies. Like Dustan, I want to create a working environment where people feel respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. In general, my dream of becoming an electrician is motivated by the need to create a secure future and acknowledge the sacrifices that my father made for our family. Dustan Biegler's leadership and mentorship are an inspiration force as I work towards my career. I am committed to pursuing this path with enthusiasm and integrity. On a professional level, I would like to build not only electrical systems but also a legacy of leadership, perseverance, and impacting people's lives.

Embracing the Trades: A Thrilling Odyssey Beyond FedEx Imagine a world where every day feels like an adventure—a world where your hands shape and create, where you're at the forefront of a revolution that's redefining industries. That's the thrilling reality of the skilled trades for me. It's not just a job; it's an exhilarating journey that's become a part of who I am. What sets my pulse racing is the recognition of a widespread shortage of skilled labor in the United States. It's not just a problem; it's an urgent call to action echoing across industries. The demand for skilled professionals is soaring, and there's a glaring gap that needs passionate individuals. It's not just a challenge; it's an adrenaline-pumping opportunity to lead a revolution. This isn't merely about securing employment; it's about rewriting the script of how we view skilled work. America is in dire need of skilled workers, affecting vital sectors. Skilled tradespeople are the backbone of our infrastructure, the guardians of safety, and the engines of economic growth. My journey into the skilled trades was a leap into the extraordinary. Not long ago, I found myself behind the wheel of a FedEx delivery truck. It was a job that paid the bills, but it lacked the excitement of making a lasting impact. Enter my friend, Christian, the catalyst for my journey. He'd begun a traditional four-year degree but then veered onto a different path, becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT). His story showcased the rewards of pursuing your passion and mastering your craft. Inspired by Christian's transformation and driven by the pressing need for skilled workers, I embarked on my thrilling journey into the skilled trades, drawn to Aircraft Maintenance Technology. It's not just about my journey; it's about guiding others. I aspire to be a mentor, sharing my knowledge with emerging tradespeople. And then there's my family—a motivation that keeps me pushing forward. As I embrace this journey, particularly in light of becoming a parent, I'm propelled by the desire to provide a better life for my family. The skilled trades offer the promise of a brighter future for my wife and our newborn. It's not just about me; it's about creating opportunities and a legacy for generations to come. In conclusion, my commitment to the skilled trades, especially as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT), is about being part of a trade revolution that America needs. It's an opportunity to create a better future for my family, all while making a meaningful impact in an industry facing high demand and growth opportunities. This is a thrilling odyssey beyond FedEx, one filled with excitement, transformation, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

My passion for pursuing a career in the Construction or Skilled Trades fields mostly comes from my time spent with my father, Randy Metheny, as a young adult. He was a carpenter by trade and although he could build a house from the foundation up, he mostly just did the framing and roofing. He was always swinging a hammer. Tragedy struck my family on Spet. 23, 2008 when my father and younger brother were both killed in our home. I was also shot in the leg and later had to amputate below my knee. My life has not been easy since I lost my brother and father, which was also the same day that my brother and I both worked our first and last full day with our father. My dad was always so proud of the things he built and I was always amazed at what he could do with a little bit of wood, some nails and a hammer. I would like to be able to make him proud by following in his footsteps while also forging my own path by becoming a professional welder. Though my dad is where my passion for the Skill Trades ultimately stem, it has however, been my older brother, Michael Carlsen, that has been recently pushing me to go to school to become something more than what I have been these past 15 years. After getting shot and watching my brother and father die in front of me I fell into deep drug addiction due to both physical and mental anguish. In Jan 2022, I finally decided to amputate my left leg below the knee in order to rid myself of the physical anguish I had suffered from for so long. I've been clean since Nov 11, 2022. My older brother has been very supportive in my recovery and continues to help drive my focus into a better future for myself and my future family. In order to make this world a better place, I plan to use this career to strengthen our infrastructure. Pipe welding or dive welding is where I would like to end up. I want to see the world and help those in need of natural resources that can only be provided by the people with the skill to mold some of the most solid materials together in order to make a literal life line to provide something every person in this world should be able to have safe access to; water, electricity, gas and shelter. Having the skill to weld is going to take me around the world one day in order to help the people that need it the most. In conclusion, my time around my father as an adolescent, my older brother pushing me to become more than I am and my desire to travel the world and help those that are in need the most are the reasons why my passion for the Construction or Skilled Trades have led me to pursue a career in welding.

They say a mustard seed can move mountains, well that's what I'm going to do! When I get done with this career advancement certificate and heavy equipment operating I will have the skills necessary to get in a big tractor and move so much earth, I will be just like a mustard seed. That's exciting to me because the fact that something so little can change the lay of the land in such a way that the impact is noticed for centuries after it is gone. Hopefully I can have a similar impact on people in my life and others that I haven't even met yet. That is the kind of positivity I wish to show everyone in my life. Two close family friends influenced me to pursue this career path. They were friends of my father's two super cool super mellow and affluent next door neighbors I have the pleasure to grow up with them as a kid. 4th of July parties, volleyball, and growing up with their kids was a memorable and happy time in my life I wish I could tell them that and how much it means to me. Both of these gentlemen moved dirt for a living whether it was by belly scraper, bulldozer, or dump truck. I remember them coming home after work still wearing their hard hats and their high visibility dirty t-shirts it's funny now how I looked up to them. I'm passionate about this career path because I know it will allow me to live the kind of life where I don't have to worry financially. Also it will allow the chance to be around my kids while they grow up because there's a work-life balance that is important these days. Living comfortably and not having to worry about how I will be able to pay the next set of bills would be very relieving for me moving forward and it would be the first time in my life for that. I am the first one in my family to ever go to college as my dad quit going to school after 8th grade to work on the family farm. Back in the day women stayed home and raised kids so that's what my mom did too so she didn't have the opportunity to have a career like women do these days. There's nothing wrong with that things are just different now. Having a happy life and being financially independent through this kind of a career path would enable me to carry on similar things like barbecues and volleyball and other good times that I remember and that would make impact on a lot of people and that idea brings so much more joy and happiness that it would spread around the world just like a mustard seed does in a field.