Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to graduate high school and go to college, and that’s what I did. After high school I went to Tidewater Community College for a year to study social sciences but life happened, and I couldn’t continue. I decided to get a 9-5 job at the shipyard as a firewatch, and that’s when I discovered the world of trades! I quickly learned that pursuing a skill in trades could be something I would enjoy and also be able to carry with me through life. I love working with my hands, and I don’t mind getting dirty at all its like a light bulb went off! A few years later, I decided to join Tidewater Tech to get my welding certifications. I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. In the time that I have been in school, I have learned so many new skills, made many new connections, and discovered a hobby that I can turn into a job. One of the main obstacles I face during my journey in school is transportation, I don’t have a vehicle, so a lot of the time I uber to and from school and also work so that I can have transportation. Although this may be an obstacle for me, I didn’t let it stop my success! I have still been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA and also multiple academic achievements! My love for welding makes it so much easier to overcome any challenges I may have. In the future, I want to be a part of big projects all over the world that will impact the community for decades to come. I understand how much trades are used in our day to day lives and how you can break social norms by graduating high school going to trade school, still be successful and gain many life skills. This scholarship would be a great help with student loans and tools I appreciate the opportunity and your time! Thank you Sincerely Isis Branch

I am a 24-year-old young adult who loves working with her hands and doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. A few years ago, I took a job at the shipyard doing fire watch and that was my first time ever hearing about welding and how much it is used in our tools, equipment, and a lot of other things day to day and that's when my curiosity for welding began. Now I'm enrolled at Tidewater Tech where my curiosity for welding turned into love! Since enrolling into the program, I have learned so many hands-on skills and processes. One of my favorite things about Tidewater Tech is that we have instructors that have been in the welding field for years and have lots of knowledge. Deciding to go to trade school was a sacrifice well worth my time, I am able to network, meet new people, and also gain job skills. While I'm at school, I constantly encourage my peers to keep going and don't give up! When it comes to career fairs and upcoming events involving employment I help keep them updated. Helping people and making someone's day better brings complete joy to my heart! I aim to continue to be able to help and lead as my life and career goes on! This scholarship would be a huge help with student loans and tools I appreciate you for your support and considering my application. Sincerely, Isis Branch

From a young age, I was drawn to hands-on work—fixing things, building projects, and learning how metal could be shaped, fused, and transformed. As I got older, I realized welding wasn’t just a skill but a career that forms the backbone of every industry, from construction to manufacturing and transportation. After graduating high school and exploring other jobs, I knew welding was what I was meant to do. It’s not something you can just read about—it’s a trade that combines knowledge with action. I’m currently enrolled in the welding program at Tidewater Tech, training to become a certified welder. My goal is to master different types of welding and cutting and build a career where I can grow, take pride in my work, and contribute to projects that keep our world moving. Like many trade students, I face financial challenges. Welding requires tuition, tools, safety gear, and certifications that are essential for success. Receiving this scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to focus fully on my training. Welding means more to me than just a job—it’s a chance to build lasting structures that strengthen communities. In a world that often overlooks skilled trades, I take pride in pursuing a career that truly keeps society running. With your support, I can continue developing my skills, represent the values of hard work and craftsmanship, and build a better future for myself and my community. Sincerely, Isis Branch

From a young age, I was drawn to hands-on work, fixing things, building projects, and understanding how metal could be shaped, fused, and transformed. As I got older, I realized that welding wasn't just a skill, but a career that builds the backbone of every industry. Many industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and more are built from welding. After graduating high school and trying out a few other job opportunities it became clear that welding would be the perfect job for me, I would say it was something I was meant to do. Welding isn't just something that you can read about and learn but it is a trade that combines action with knowledge. I am currently enrolled in a welding program at Tidewater Tech, where I am training to become a certified welder. My ultimate goal is to become highly skilled and trained in the different types of welding and cutting that I will be learning in school. In the near future I plan to work in a field where I can grow, take pride in my work, and contribute to the essential projects that keep our world moving. I am a young, motivated student who is committed to learning skills and techniques that will elevate me both in the classroom and in the shop. However, like many students pursuing a trade education, I face financial barriers. Welding requires not just tuition, but also investment in tools, safety gear, and different certifications that are necessary to enter the field. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden but also allow me to dedicate more time and energy toward mastering the skills and earning the credentials I need to succeed. Welding is more than just a job to me. It's a chance to be part of something bigger, projects like building a bridge, repairing a ship, or fixing a pipeline are a huge part of making the community more efficient. Knowing that my work matters and will last for years to come is another one of the many reasons I have decided to take on this trade. In today's world skilled trades are sometimes overlooked but the truth is our society depends on people like me who can build, fix, and maintain the systems we all rely on daily. I am proud to be pursuing a career in trades, and I am eager to represent the values of hard work, integrity, and craftsmanship that this scholarship stands for. I always strive to embody generosity, respect, innovation, and teamwork in all aspects of my personal and professional life because I believe these values are the foundation of strong relationships and successful collaborations. Respect is essential in all interactions. I make a conscious effort to respect other people's perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. By creating an environment of mutual respect, I believe we all perform better and build stronger more effective teams. While respect is one of the four core values all four shape who I am and also shape how I engage with the world around me. They drive me to build positive, meaningful relationships and ensure that I contribute to every team I'm a part of. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take the next step in my journey to become a skilled welder and build a better future for myself and my community. Sincerely, Isis Branch

From a young age, I was drawn to hands-on work, fixing things, building projects, and understanding how metal could be shaped, fused, and transformed. As I got older, I realized that welding wasn't just a skill, but a career that builds the backbone of every industry. Many industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and more are built from welding. After graduating high school and trying out a few other job opportunities it became clear that welding would be the perfect job for me, I would say it was something I was meant to do. Welding isn't just something that you can read about and learn but it is a trade that combines action with knowledge. I am currently enrolled in a welding program at Tidewater Tech, where I am training to become a certified welder. My ultimate goal is to become highly skilled and trained in the different types of welding and cutting that I will be learning in school. In the near future I plan to work in a field where I can grow, take pride in my work, and contribute to the essential projects that keep our world moving. I am a young, motivated student who is committed to learning skills and techniques that will elevate me both in the classroom and in the shop. Welding is more than just a job to me. It's a chance to be part of something bigger, projects like building a bridge, repairing a ship, or fixing a pipeline are a huge part of making the community more efficient. Knowing that my work matters and will last for years to come is another one of the many reasons I have decided to take on this trade. In today's world skilled trades are sometimes overlooked but the truth is our society depends on people like me who can build, fix, and maintain the systems we all rely on daily. One social cause that I care deeply about is mental health awareness because I have seen firsthand how it affects people's lives: including my own, my family, and my community. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked, misunderstood, or judged. Too many people struggle in silence because they are afraid, they don't have the support they need. Personally, I care about mental health because I know how hard it can be to stay strong when you're facing stress or depression when you are trying to pursue goals and still keep up with life. Raising awareness about mental health can break the ongoing cycle of mental health. It helps people realize they're not alone and that it's okay to ask for help. It also pushes society to invest in better resources, education, and support systems that help people get the care they deserve. Whether you are in school, working a trade, raising a family, or building a business, your mental health affects everything. I want to help break the stigma around mental health, especially in communities and industries where it isn't talked about enough like trades. Everyone deserves to be mentally strong and supported, and I believe that starts with awareness, understanding, and opening conversations. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take the next step in my journey to become a skilled welder and build a better future for myself and my community. Sincerely, Isis Branch

From a young age, I was drawn to hands-on work, fixing things, building projects, and understanding how metal could be shaped, fused, and transformed. As I got older, I realized that welding wasn't just a skill, but a career that builds the backbone of every industry. Many industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and more are built from welding. After graduating high school and trying out a few other job opportunities it became clear that welding would be the perfect job for me, I would say it was something I was meant to do. Welding isn't just something that you can read about and learn but it is a trade that combines action with knowledge. I am currently enrolled in a welding program at Tidewater Tech, where I am training to become a certified welder. My ultimate goal is to become highly skilled and trained in the different types of welding and cutting that I will be learning in school. In the near future I plan to work in a field where I can grow, take pride in my work, and contribute to the essential projects that keep our world moving. I am a young, motivated student who is committed to learning skills and techniques that will elevate me both in the classroom and in the shop. However, like many students pursuing a trade education, I face financial barriers. Welding requires not just tuition, but also investment in tools, safety gear, and different certifications that are necessary to enter the field. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden but also allow me to dedicate more time and energy toward mastering the skills and earning the credentials I need to succeed. Welding is more than just a job to me. It's a chance to be part of something bigger, projects like building a bridge, repairing a ship, or fixing a pipeline are a huge part of making the community more efficient. Knowing that my work matters and will last for years to come is another one of the many reasons I have decided to take on this trade. In today's world skilled trades are sometimes overlooked but the truth is our society depends on people like me who can build, fix, and maintain the systems we all rely on daily. I am proud to be pursuing a career in trades, and I am eager to represent the values of hard work, integrity, and craftsmanship that this scholarship stands for. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can take the next step in my journey to become a skilled welder and build a better future for myself and my community. Sincerely, Isis Branch