I didn’t choose my field, it chose me. I am currently studying in CNC/Tool and Die Technologies because when I was introduced to this field in high school something lit up inside of me. Something “clicked” with me and I knew that this trade was for me. I knew that machining was what I wanted to do, but I didn’t know a lot about it so I decided to go to a local tech college to learn more about the trade. I have almost completed my first year of college now, and I have learned a lot about the different machines and techniques of the trade. The passion that started in high school has grown with the knowledge that I have learned. I have worked at two different companies to gain experience in the field and I am still working part time at one of them while going to school. I often stay at school after class and work ahead on projects. When I come home, I work on homework and assignments for the next day or the next week. Just last week I went to Skills USA and won silver at the state championship for Automated Manufacturing. I am constantly watching videos of other people making things and seeing the techniques they use. I am the person who literally wakes up in the middle of the night thinking about how to machine projects. That is why I chose this career. I pursued it because I have a passion for it. I never pursued it because of the money or other benefits. I have no doubts or worries that I will be successful in this career. I have a love for the work, a hunger for the knowledge, and a passion for the job. An advantage of this career is that I can get work at a lot of places. Unfortunately we have a huge lack of people going into this career, but that also makes me more valuable as a skilled worker. A successful career is a career where you strive to earn your place from the first day to the last day at a company. It’s when you respect other people’s views and ideas no matter their level of authority. It’s an obsession for perfection and not settling for less than the best. We are the people that make it possible to go up to the moon and down to the Mariana Trench.

I have taken Tech Ed classes since my first year in high school because I’ve always been a hands-on learner. I have taken quite a few classes, which have fueled a passion for working with metal, running machines, and designing parts on the computer. While in high school, I built my own forge for blacksmithing in my free time. Currently in College my eyes have been opened to the countless projects and parts that I can make. I spend hours at home designing parts to machine for various personal hobbies. I really enjoy applying what I’ve learned to personal projects, and it has taught me a lot about the designing and troubleshooting process. I am excited about the endless possibilities that the Tool and Die Technologies program has for me. My dream is to build my own small business where I can be a part of the manufacturing process from start to finish, combining my interests in machining and blacksmithing. I enjoy the challenge and problem-solving aspects of programming machines, yet I also thrive in the shop environment with the hands-on nature of running various machines. I am inspired by the work of different companies that specialize in unique custom products. More than anything though, I want to make a difference in the world whether it’s the parts that I make for customers or the difference in the local community. This scholarship would help me save money for my business and to focus 100% on my schooling and to get the most out of it. I know I have a lot to learn before starting my own business, so I am considering doing an apprenticeship with a larger company where there is even more knowledge and experience to be gained.