I am Braxton, a Senior at Elkins High School/James Reese Center. I have been accepted to TSTC for the Advance Welding 2 Program. I have been attending James Reese Center for half a day for the welding program while in high school. I love working with my hands and in a Trade. I have been around trades my whole life and i have a great love for it. My father was a lineman/contractor, many family members were welders and mechanics. So I learned early I work best with my hands. I have taken the initiative in the lead in my welding program a few times. Anywhere from doing every welding certification I could during my schooling. Some I have passed and got certified and some I failed, however, I know failing is only going to make me stronger and work harder to perfect my trade. I have also advanced in my welding class, where I had to step up and do a bend test in front of the whole welding program since I had passed my visual. It was stressful but I persevered and I passed. I have advanced to welding open root which is the next step up from the backing straps the class is doing. I have been asked to do multiple projects due to my advancement in class. My welding instructor has let me take the lead in furthering my knowledge due to my hard work and dedication to learn all I can before I graduate. I will say, I wouldn't have accomplished as much as I have if it were not for practicing both at home and school and sticking with it even when I failed. I have failed many times. I have learned that it is ok and it teaches me to make adjustments. I know I want to be great in this trade and I know it is important to learn it not only because I love it but for safety reasons. There is not one way to weld and depending on the material and approach you have to change up multiple times. So I know it is good for me to learn all I can so I can do my best when I get out in the field.

Education has never been my strong point however I knew I had to find something that I loved and interested me. I learn best with hands-on. I found a passion in welding which I knew from my past, welding was in every aspect I have worked in from construction, heavy equipment, mechanics, and much more. I knew my options were abundant and necessary for my talent. The transformation of raw metal into functional art is deeply satisfying. Welding represents my drive to build and create. I find peace and a sense of accomplishment that complements my strengths. I am confident in saying I work extremely hard at each and every one of my tasks. I am extremely career oriented and I believe my work experience will show that. My mother's drive pushed me to realize that life isn’t easy and that I must work hard to get where I want. For the past 2 years, I've been taking welding courses through my high school at James Reese Center. Once I graduate this May 2025, I plan to attend TSTC for Advance Welding 2. The core of who I am is not solely defined by my interests but by the experiences and surroundings my whole life. I feel my knowledge of my upbringing has helped make me the young adult I am today. My family has owned a construction business for most of my younger life. Before moving to Texas with my mom, I grew up in the country, around farming, construction, running heavy equipment, and fixing vehicles and equipment. I have many family members and friends who are welders both in the pipeline and fabrication shops. I will continue to build a future that represents my passions and strive to become the person I want to be. My mother has definitely been my driving force and my biggest advocate helping me along the way. This scholarship can help me accomplish my goals because I have an IEP and was raised by a single mom. Which ultimately means I will do what I can to help make my college a reality. I have dyslexia and dysgraphia that can make schoolwork and testing challenging, however, extensive dyslexic training and a great support system at both home and school have helped me accomplish what I have. It does make getting scholarships harder when my test scores and GPA aren't at the top. However, it doesn't affect my ability to work because I enjoy a more hands-on trade such as welding and mechanical skills. I take great pride in what I do and when I’m passionate about something I give it everything I have. Even with challenges I haven't let it stop me from accomplishing everything I need. I will graduate high school and continue to college, and I've had great jobs along the way. I will continue to push to accomplish my goals. I know I must work hard for what I want. I have held down a job and maintained my grades through high school. Not only am I a hard worker I consider myself a good kid/young adult. My mom has instilled in me that every action has a consequence and everything we do helps or hinders our future, therefore I kept myself involved in school and hobbies such as fishing/hunting, dirt bike riding, working on our only vehicle, and working a lot to keep myself occupied. I have kept a good clean record and look toward building my future.