Waymakers Scholarship

Hands on learning has been important to me because it's how I visually can see what I'm doing, it keeps me busy and focused. In my votech school hands on work is what I'm used to, the constant need to finish the work and get it done has really shaped what I wanted to do as I get older. Tech was shown to me personally because my counselor and teachers knew I was a very hands on learner. My goals are set and I'm ready to go to the workforce after Rosedale tech, my schools have motivated me to learn certain trades and it helps because I can further my education. I plan to use my skills in a positive way to help people and change perspectives. Especially as a woman it's hard to change the perspective of people. Sometimes it is easier to impact others lives and fix things that need to be fixed, the attention to detail in my work shows that a lot. I usually make sure I do everything correctly, and I double check a lot. It is easy to make mistakes but I always correct myself and focus solely on completing my work and making sure I get it done quick. I prefer quick and well done work. If I am able too impact people's lives with my work, it shows that I have succeeded in my job and what I train and learn to do. I always ask questions, make sure I learn how to do things right, and confidently make mistakes and learn how to fix them so I don't do it again in the future. I make it a point to teach, learn, and strive in my work field. If you are confident in what you do it will help you learn and make you appear good at what you do. Hands on is also fun because you stay busy and get to work, once you get used to it, it's like second nature. It is easy to get in over your head but while I do hands on work it's easy to clear your head and finish what needs fixed. When I work I tend to get lost in it and strive for perfection. I love getting complimented on my work and having others happy with my work makes me happy. So to summarize hands on is fun and keeps me driven to work.

Hands-on learning is important to me because it allows me to fully understand and apply what I am being taught. I learn best by doing—by working with my hands, solving real problems, and seeing the direct results of my effort. Sitting in a classroom and only hearing information is not as effective for me as physically practicing a skill. Hands-on learning keeps me engaged, builds my confidence, and helps me develop real-world abilities that I know I will carry with me into my career. That is one of the main reasons I am drawn to welding. It is a field where skill is built through practice, focus, and experience, not just theory. My experience throughout high school has played a major role in shaping both my personal and professional goals. I took a welding class where I quickly found both passion and purpose. In that class, I was the only female and became one of the top students. That experience pushed me to challenge expectations and prove to myself that I belong in this field. Instead of feeling discouraged being in a male-dominated environment, I felt motivated. My success in that class, along with the encouragement I received, gave me the confidence to seriously pursue welding as a career. In addition, being involved in FFA from 8th through 11th grade helped me grow outside of a traditional classroom setting. Through competitions, public speaking, and attending state conferences, I developed confidence, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic. I learned how to communicate effectively, manage my time, and push myself to improve. These experiences showed me that I am capable of succeeding in challenging environments and that I thrive when I am actively involved in what I am learning. High school helped me realize that I want a career that is hands-on, practical, and meaningful. I am not interested in a path where I feel disconnected from my work. I want to build something real—something that requires effort, skill, and attention to detail. Welding aligns perfectly with those goals. It offers the opportunity to continuously learn, improve, and take pride in the work I produce. In the future, I plan to use my skills to make a positive impact in my community by contributing to the infrastructure and projects that people rely on every day. Welders play an essential role in building and maintaining structures such as bridges, buildings, and equipment. These are critical to keeping communities safe and functioning. Knowing that my work could directly support others gives me a strong sense of purpose. I also hope to inspire others, especially young women who may feel discouraged from entering male-dominated fields. By pursuing welding and succeeding in it, I want to show that skill, determination, and hard work matter more than stereotypes. I want to help break barriers and encourage others to follow paths they are passionate about, even if those paths are not traditional. Overall, hands-on learning has shaped the way I approach my education and future. It has guided me toward a career in welding and given me the confidence to pursue a path that is both challenging and rewarding. With the skills I gain, I am determined to build not only a successful career but also a lasting, positive impact within my community.