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.