Walking in heads turned and all eyes were on me, a girl in a classroom full of boys. The stigma of "this is a boy's class" irritated me, I belonged in that room just as much as the next person. I picked up a metals class in my junior year, My teacher Mr. King took great pride in having a girl in his class. He saw my potential and pushed me toward it. He was proud to write me a letter of recommendation to take the advanced metals class at my new school. Again I was the only female and my teacher made that clear. I was given small projects that would be "easier" for me. Frustrated I talked with my counselor and learned about the dual credit program. Next semester I became a part-time high school and college student taking welding and fabrications classes at my local trade school while also holding a part-time job as a barista in the evenings. I graduated high school with two college credits under my belt and was proud. Over this past summer, I have worked as a federal work-study at my college gaining knowledge, experience and opportunities I couldn't get from the classroom. I have helped run recruiting events pushing the girls to try and this semester I have received four certificates from NC3 for Precision Measurement and Layout as well as a Hobart certificate for Base Metals and Filler Metals. Walking in I still have heads turning but with a "wow" expression and being a woman working in this field gives me a great feeling of purpose. The trades are important and will forever be needed. I see myself working in the welding manufacturing field for my whole career, as it's a hard job it's also an interesting one.