Weld Our Soul Scholarship

My dad was on the welding team in High School, but I never got to hear him personally tell me about this as he passed away when I was three. My mom told me about how great of a welder my dad was, which sparked my interest at a young age to become a welder. Growing up with ADHD, I was never big on academics but always loved using my hands and physical ability. I took welding in Vocational school and loved it. I was so proud of the shovel I made for my step dad’s gardening, and the bookshelf I made my mom. That was when I realized I wanted to one day make it a career. I see a future in welding for several reasons. First is that Mississippi, where I live, is lacking welders, second, I enjoy using my hands to build stuff and third the men in my family have been welders for many years . First, Welding is one of the technical areas Mississippi is really needing more employees in. Weldinc will be a great area where I will be able to find meaningful employment in a vast market. I would be able to go anywhere in Mississippi and be able to find a career. I could work at a ship yard on the coast of Mississippi, the pipeline, or in the agricultural area welding on farm equipment. Second, the first time I used a welder in vocational school it sparked a love of using my hands to create something. I enjoyed learning how to make stuff my family could use. I felt pride in the fact the shovel I made would help make a garden to provide food for my family. I loved seeing my mom’s eyes light up when she saw her new bookshelf. I realized using my hands to create something was what I wanted to do the rest of my life. Third, I come from a long line of welders. My dad’s father, my dad, my stepdad and my older brother are welders. They have taught me that it is a good career area. Welding has provided for our family for many years. My brother and I could even start our own welding business one day. My mom sparked a passion in me when I was little telling me about how great of a welder my dad was. My mom showed me pictures of some of his work, and I knew that was what I was going to grow up and one day become a welder as well. I believe I would be a great candidate for this scholarship. I will be able to honor the memory of Kevin and my dad and represent two great welders.

Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. Welding is my dream and I cannot wait to begin my journey regardless of what people say as I know I have my families support and they believe in me.