My name is Iliana and I am 24 years old. I know that life is about more than just work, but so much of our time is spent at work, so it is important to be doing something that you enjoy yet is also sustainable to support yourself and your family financially. My entire adult life I have been trying to figure out what kind of career I want to pursue long-term and I have come to a few conclusions after working multiple different jobs and exploring my interests. I know that I want to work with my hands in a physical environment that allows me to be mobile and create things of use to others. That is why I am pursuing an education in welding. I grew up in Texas and have since moved around a bit since graduating high school. I lived in Colorado and worked multiple jobs in the food and service industry, mainly as a pizza cook. I lived in Eastern Oregon and worked under a geologist and hydrologist for the Forest Service. I then moved to Northern California for a job working as a hydrologic technician and doing river flow surveys and measurements. I now live in Central Oregon and work as a wildland firefighter. Throughout my work experience, I've learned many things about myself and developed my dreams of where I want to go and who I want to be in life. I know that I thrive in jobs where I can be active and use my hands to do my work. I have always been a tactical learner and school was hard for me because I felt like they were teaching all of the concepts except not the hands-on skills I needed to succeed. I learned that the physical realm is very important to me and being able to use my body and brain to do my work benefits me far more than an office desk-type job in front of a computer all day. I am choosing the path of trades in welding because it will allow me to live the life I want and enjoy the work I do as well as contribute to society. By pursuing a career path in welding I will be able to be content in my work and support myself and my family to come. In addition, it seems as if people of my generation lack an interest in careers in the trades yet these careers are so vital to society. I want to make a difference in the world and I feel like becoming the best welder I can, will serve to make this difference.

My name is Iliana and I am 24 years old. I know that life is about more than just work, but so much of our time is spent at work, so it is important to be doing something that you enjoy yet is also sustainable to support yourself and your family financially. My entire adult life I have been trying to figure out what kind of career I want to pursue long-term and I have come to a few conclusions after working multiple different jobs and exploring my interests. I know that I want to work with my hands in a physical environment that allows me to be mobile and create things of use to others. That is why I am pursuing an education in welding. I grew up in Texas and have since moved around a bit since graduating high school. I lived in Colorado and worked multiple jobs in the food and service industry, mainly as a pizza cook. I lived in Eastern Oregon and worked under a geologist and hydrologist for the Forest Service. I then moved to Northern California for a job working as a hydrologic technician and doing river flow surveys and measurements. I now live in Central Oregon and work as a wildland firefighter. Throughout my work experience, I've learned many things about myself and developed my dreams of where I want to go and who I want to be in life. I know that I thrive in jobs where I can be active and use my hands to do my work. I have always been a tactical learner and school was hard for me because I felt like they were teaching all of the concepts except not the hands-on skills I needed to succeed. I learned that the physical realm is very important to me and being able to use my body and brain to do my work benefits me far more than an office desk-type job in front of a computer all day. I am choosing the path of trades in welding because it will allow me to live the life I want and enjoy the work I do as well as contribute to society. By pursuing a career path in welding I will be able to be content in my work and support myself and my family to come. In addition, it seems as if people of my generation lack an interest in careers in the trades yet these careers are so vital to society. I want to make a difference in the world and I feel like by becoming the best welder I can, will serve to make this difference.

I am detail-oriented, and I have great manual dexterity as well as physical stamina. All of these are attributes that I can put to positive use by pursuing a career in welding. My name is Iliana and I am 24 years old. I know that life is about more than just work, but so much of our time is spent at work, so it is important to be doing something that you enjoy yet is also sustainable to support yourself and your family financially. My entire adult life I have been trying to figure out what kind of career I want to pursue long-term and I have come to a few conclusions after working multiple different jobs and exploring my interests. I know that I want to work with my hands in a physical environment that allows me to be mobile and create things of use to others. That is why I am pursuing an education in welding. Working in the restaurant industry, I developed my attention to detail. This is important in many aspects of life, but in a restaurant, it is extremely important. Making food as well as creating an atmosphere that customers enjoy coming back to requires the small things to be on point. The music that is playing, the cleanliness of the tables of the dining area, the presentation of the food, and the skill and effort that goes into making the food that they enjoy. Being detail-oriented while welding is important as well, as to ensure that what you are welding is solid, presentable, and something you are proud to call your work. I have always had good manual dexterity. I draw and paint and have played multiple sports that require hand-eye coordination, such as water polo. I enjoy using my hands to create things working as a welder will allow me to do just that. I have always prioritized physical stamina as well. I played sports through high school and continue to keep up with my physical fitness. I also currently work as a wildland firefighter which requires a high level of physical stamina. For my job, we are required to hike through uneven, rocky terrain which 45-pound packs on to dig line and mop-up to control wildfires. During the burning season, we hike with packs on as well and drag torches for miles for prescribed burns to help improve the health of the forest. Physical stamina is a trait I admire since it also leads to mental stamina as well. All of these skills, as well as my work experience, have led me to realize that I need to have an active job where I am physically productive if I am to be satisfied with my career choice. That is why I am passionate about welding because it will allow me to enjoy my job and feel fulfilled in my life.