The courage to return to school came from years of living in survival mode and realizing that surviving was no longer enough. For most of my adult life, my focus was on raising my children, working, and carrying the weight of responsibility for everyone around me. I learned to function on exhaustion, often sacrificing sleep so I could maintain meaningful time with my kids while still meeting every obligation placed on me. Education was something I wanted deeply, but it always came last because someone else always needed me first. I have endured significant loss, grief, and long-term pressure to be the reliable one. I carried those burdens quietly, telling myself that pushing through was strength. Over time, that constant sacrifice caught up with me. I wasn’t failing, but I was stagnant, capable of more, yet stuck in a cycle where my own goals were indefinitely postponed. The realization that I was disappearing behind responsibility became the moment I knew something had to change. Returning to school was terrifying. I am the oldest student in most of my classes, and in some cases, I am the same age as, older than, my instructors. Sitting in classrooms where others are just beginning their adult lives forced me to confront insecurity, self-doubt, and the fear of not belonging. I don’t have the luxury of focusing on school alone. My time is constantly divided, and there is no safety net beneath me. I worried about finances, confidence, and whether I could keep up while balancing everything else. But I also knew that if I waited for life to slow down, I would never begin. Once I committed, I did so fully. I enrolled in eight classes in one term, six in the next, then two during the summer and five after that, to fast-track my graduation. My days are structured around sacrifice: late nights studying after my kids are asleep, early mornings preparing for school and work, and careful planning to make every hour count. Sleep is often the first thing I give up so I can still be present for my children, because their stability matters as much as my success. I am raising my children on my own. My son is highly athletic and participates in seven sports throughout the year, which means practices, games, and constant movement. My four-year-old daughter is energetic, strong-willed, and full of life, what I lovingly call my “wildfire.” Every day requires patience, emotional presence, and organization. There is no one stepping in to share the load. Every responsibility, decision, and sacrifice is mine to carry. Being the oldest in the classroom has taught me humility and resilience. I have had to advocate for myself, trust my experience, and push past the quiet fear that I started too late. I learned that progress does not require perfection, only persistence. Every completed class and every exhausted but successful day reminds me that I belong there. Going back to school was not an impulsive choice; it was a deliberate act of courage shaped by years of sacrifice and responsibility. It represents choosing growth while still honoring my role as a mother. Like Susie Green, I chose to reshape my future on my own terms. My journey proves that courage isn’t loud, it’s found in late nights, early mornings, and continuing forward when doing it alone would make quitting easier.

The first time I realized I wanted a career in the skilled trades was when I understood how much strength it takes to build something that lasts. I have spent much of my life taking care of others, working through challenges, and learning resilience the hard way. Welding stood out to me because it mirrors those same values: patience, discipline, and the ability to withstand pressure and come out stronger. I am pursuing Welding Technology because it allows me to work with my hands while creating something meaningful and reliable. Welding is a skill that demands precision, accountability, and pride in craftsmanship. I am passionate about this trade because it offers real-world impact, the work welders do supports infrastructure, manufacturing, and essential industries. For me, welding represents stability, independence, and the opportunity to build a future through skill rather than circumstance. After completing my trade education, my goal is to work in the welding field gaining hands-on experience in industrial or structural welding. I plan to continue developing my skills through certifications and advanced training. Long-term, I hope to grow into a role where I can mentor others entering the trades, especially those who may not see this path as an option for themselves. I want to be part of strengthening the skilled trades workforce and contributing to an industry that is critical to our economy and communities. One of the biggest adversities I have overcome has been balancing education with family responsibilities and personal challenges. I am a parent, and much of my life has revolved around putting others first. Returning to school meant managing work, childcare, and household responsibilities while staying focused on my education. There were moments when continuing felt overwhelming, but I stayed committed by setting clear goals, managing my time carefully, and reminding myself why I chose this path. I also faced adversity in learning to advocate for myself. For a long time, I put my own goals last, but pursuing a trade education required me to believe in my abilities and invest in myself. Welding has reinforced that mindset. Not every weld is perfect on the first attempt, and progress comes from adjusting, learning, and trying again. That lesson has carried over into my life, teaching me perseverance and confidence. Overcoming these challenges has shaped who I am today, someone who is resilient, focused, and determined to succeed. Welding is more than a career choice for me; it is a way to build a stable future, prove my capabilities, and create opportunities for myself and my family. This scholarship would support my continued education and help me stay committed to a trade I am passionate about, allowing me to move forward with confidence and purpose.

I want to join the Union Ironworkers because I am committed to building a long-term career grounded in skilled craftsmanship, safety, and pride in work. As I progress through trade school, my academic advisor has encouraged me to pursue ironwork based on my work ethic, technical ability, and respect for safety. After learning more about the Ironworkers trade and the union’s role in training and protecting its members, I know this is the path I want to follow. The Ironworkers Union represents more than employment; it represents professionalism, brotherhood, and accountability. Ironwork requires trust, teamwork, and precision, especially in high-risk environments where workers depend on one another. I want to be part of a union where members look out for each other, uphold high standards, and take pride in knowing their work supports the infrastructure that communities rely on every day. Joining the Ironworkers will benefit me by providing structured apprenticeship training, strong safety standards, and the opportunity to continually grow my skills under experienced journeymen. I value learning the trade the right way, from proper welding and rigging techniques to jobsite awareness and teamwork. The union’s emphasis on training and safety aligns with how I approach my work: carefully, responsibly, and with attention to detail. The Ironworkers also offer stability and long-term opportunity, allowing me to build a dependable career while supporting my family. I bring several strengths to the Ironworkers trade. I have a strong work ethic, take safety seriously, and show up prepared and willing to learn. As a Native American woman entering a physically demanding and traditionally male-dominated trade, I am accustomed to earning respect through consistency, effort, and performance. I remain focused under pressure and understand the importance of following procedures, communicating clearly, and working as part of a team. Additionally, my welding education provides a strong technical foundation that directly supports ironwork. I take pride in producing quality work and understand that every weld, connection, and lift carries responsibility. I am dependable, disciplined, and committed to mastering my craft. I come from a long line of females, and I hope to be an addition to only one other Ironworker. The Ironworkers Union offers the training, structure, and camaraderie I am looking for in a career, and I am ready to contribute my skills, dedication, and respect for the trade. I want to build a future as a union ironworker who represents quality, safety, and pride in workmanship, values that define the Ironworkers and the legacy this scholarship honors.

I remember sitting on the edge of my bed, staring at a packed bag that didn’t feel like it belonged to me. I was still young, but I already understood that this wasn’t just a change of school, it was a separation. I was being sent to a boarding school, not because my family didn’t care, but because circumstances shaped by generations of hardship left few options. That moment became one of the earliest lessons in my life: sometimes survival means being strong before you feel ready. Like many Native students, my education did not begin on equal footing. Boarding schools carry a painful history for Native communities, and although my experience was different from those of my ancestors, the weight of that history still followed me. I felt isolated, disconnected from my culture, and unsure of where I belonged. While others went home at the end of the day, I learned how to sit with loneliness and keep moving forward. That experience shaped my resilience long before I had words for it. Even now, I carry those lessons with me. They surface when I face challenges in college, when financial stress creeps in, or when I find myself as one of the only Native students in a classroom. The isolation can feel familia, but so does the strength that grew from it. I learned early how to adapt, persevere, and refuse to let my circumstances define my future. Today, I make a conscious effort to ensure my children grow up rooted in their identity. Both of my children participate in Longhouse traditions and dance each year. Watching them step into the circle fills me with pride and reminds me why preserving culture matters. I craft their regalia by hand, stitch by stitch, pouring love and intention into each piece. It is my way of passing down not just tradition but belonging, something I once struggled to hold onto myself. My journey has also led me into a space where few people look like me. As a Native American woman pursuing a career in welding, I often stand out. It is a field dominated by men, and even more so by those outside my culture. Still, I show up every day with determination. Welding represents more than a career, it represents independence, strength, and the ability to build something lasting with my own hands. Each weld I complete reminds me that I am capable, skilled, and deserving of space in this field. Education has not come easily, but it has become my path forward. I am not just working toward a degree; I am working to break cycles, create stability for my family, and show my children what perseverance looks like in action. I want them to grow up knowing that their identity is a source of strength, not a limitation. This scholarship represents more than financial support. It represents belie, in my story, my resilience, and my future. I carry my experiences with pride, honoring where I come from while forging a better path ahead. My story is still being written, but it is rooted in strength, culture, and the determination to rise.

My career objective is to become a certified welder specializing in pipe welding and fabrication, with the long-term goal of advancing into a leadership role within the welding industry. I am currently pursuing a degree in Welding Technology, where I am learning advanced techniques that are essential for both construction and manufacturing. Welding has always appealed to me because it combines precision, creativity, and problem-solving. I take pride in knowing that the work I am training to do, building bridges, pipelines, and renewable energy structures, will directly contribute to the strength and safety of our communities. Before returning to school, I worked for thirteen years as an overnight shift manager in a 24/7 facility. Many holidays weren’t celebrated, and sleep was often neglected because I was the sole provider for my children. While that job provided stability, I realized that I wanted a career where my skills could grow and where I could build something lasting, not just for myself but for my family. That decision brought me back to school to pursue welding full-time. Balancing college as a single parent is challenging, but I am determined to succeed. I have earned a place on the Dean’s List and currently serve as a student representative on the Perkins Council, helping secure funding to keep our welding program equipped for future students. My education is opening doors that once felt out of reach. Welding offers steady employment, room for advancement, and the satisfaction of meaningful work. Once I complete my degree, I plan to work in the field full-time, gain certification through the American Welding Society (AWS), and eventually train apprentices or teach future welders. I want to share the skills I’ve learned and help others, especially women and Indigenous students, see the opportunities that exist in the trades. My ultimate goal is to establish a stable career that allows me to support my family while giving back to the community that has supported me. Financially, returning to school has been difficult. As a single parent, I rely on one income to cover tuition, tools, gas, and living expenses. I continue to work part-time while attending classes full-time, but the costs of school often stretch my budget to its limits. This scholarship would make a tremendous difference by helping me pay for tuition, equipment, and certification fees. It would ease financial stress and allow me to focus more on learning and developing my skills. Completing my Welding Technology degree will give me the tools to build a secure future for my family and to contribute to industries that are vital to our economy. With the support of this scholarship, I can stay focused on my goals and continue working toward a career that provides stability, pride, and purpose.

I am currently pursuing a degree in Welding Technology, a field that excites me because it combines creativity, precision, and responsibility. Welding is essential to both construction and manufacturing, and I enjoy knowing that the work I am learning to do plays such an important role in building the world around us. I am studying advanced welding techniques such as pipe welding while also working in the field, applying what I learn in real-world situations. My academic performance reflects my dedication, I have earned a place on the Dean’s List, and I also serve on the Perkins Council as a student representative, helping secure funding to keep our welding program strong for future students. These opportunities remind me that education is not only about personal growth but also about building pathways for others. Balancing school as a single parent has been one of the greatest challenges of my life. Raising children while attending college means every day requires careful time management and sacrifice. Before returning to school, I worked for thirteen years in a 24/7 facility as an overnight shift manager. During that time, some holidays weren’t celebrated, family milestones were missed, and sleep was often neglected. While that job gave me stability, it came with exhaustion and the constant struggle of providing while trying to be present for my children. In addition, I have faced moments where family emergencies forced me to put my education on hold. When my mother and sister were injured, I stepped away from school to care for them. Later, I worked long hours in management again to keep my household afloat. These experiences could have discouraged me, but instead they strengthened my resilience. They taught me perseverance, discipline, and the ability to keep moving forward even when life was difficult. Being a single parent has not stopped me; it has given me an even deeper reason to succeed. Once I complete my degree, I plan to build a career in welding that provides stability for my family and contributes to essential industries. Welding plays a vital role in construction, manufacturing, and renewable energy, and I want to be part of shaping that future. I also hope to advance with new technologies such as automation and robotics, which are transforming the trade. At the same time, I want to give back by mentoring young people, especially other single parents and Indigenous students, who may not believe they have opportunities in technical trades. By sharing my story and guiding others, I hope to inspire them to pursue education as a pathway to stability and success. For me, completing my degree is not just about achieving a personal goal. It is about creating a better life for my children, proving that perseverance can overcome obstacles, and opening doors for others in my community. With this scholarship, I will be able to continue moving forward, turning challenges into opportunities and building a stronger future for my family.

Welding is often called the backbone of construction and manufacturing, and for me it is also the foundation of my future. As a Welding Technology student and an Indigenous woman, I see my education not only as a personal achievement but as a way to contribute to industries that shape the world around us. Welding is present in every bridge, building, pipeline, and piece of equipment that keeps society moving forward. By mastering this craft, I will be prepared to play a direct role in building the infrastructure of tomorrow and supporting the innovation that drives manufacturing forward. My education is already empowering me to make this impact. As a sophomore, I am learning advanced welding skills such as pipe welding while also working in the field to apply what I study in real-world settings. I have earned a place on the Dean’s List, which reflects my dedication to balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. I also serve on the Perkins Council as a student representative, helping secure funding to keep our welding program supplied with the equipment needed to train future students. These experiences show me that my education extends beyond myself, it is also about building opportunities for others. Welding will allow me to shape the future of both construction and manufacturing in meaningful ways. In construction, welders are vital to building safe and durable structures, from the bridges that connect communities to the renewable energy systems that will sustain future generations. In manufacturing, welding supports the production of machinery, vehicles, and tools that keep industries operating efficiently. I am excited by how the field is evolving with robotics and automation, and I see myself advancing alongside these innovations, using new technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The impact I hope to make in my career goes beyond technical skill. I want to be a role model for other Indigenous students and women entering skilled trades, proving that they have a place in industries where they are often underrepresented. I also want to mentor young people who may not see themselves in careers like welding, encouraging them to explore technical education and the opportunities it provides. By combining my professional work with community outreach, I can help ensure that the next generation of welders, builders, and manufacturers is more diverse and prepared to meet the challenges of the future. This scholarship would help me achieve these goals by easing the financial challenges of higher education. Balancing tuition, work, and family is not easy, but scholarships like this one make it possible for students like me to focus on learning, training, and giving back. With this support, I will be able to continue excelling in my studies, advancing in my career, and contributing to industries that are essential to society’s growth. Welding gives me the power to create, connect, and strengthen the world around us. With dedication and opportunity, I am ready to help shape the future of construction and manufacturing while opening doors for others to do the same.

Pursuing higher education has not been an easy path, but it has been one of determination and resilience. As an Indigenous woman, I often carry the weight of being underrepresented in both academic and technical fields. I also carry the responsibility of showing my children and my community that education and hard work can create opportunities, even when the odds seem stacked against us. One of the greatest obstacles I have faced is balancing school with family responsibilities. When my mother and sister were seriously injured, I stepped away from college to care for them. Later, as a single mother, I worked long hours, overnight, in management, in a 24/7 facility to support my household. These sacrifices delayed my education, but they strengthened me. I learned perseverance and discipline, lessons that continue to guide me today. Returning to school after those experiences was not easy, but it gave me an even deeper appreciation for learning. Another challenge has been entering a field where women, especially Indigenous women, are rarely seen. Welding is physically and mentally demanding and often dominated by men. Yet I have embraced that challenge. I am currently working in the field while pursuing my Welding Technology degree as a sophomore. I have earned a place on the Dean’s List and serve on the Perkins Council as a student representative, helping secure funds to keep our welding program strong. These achievements are not only personal milestones, but they are also proof that representation matters. By succeeding, I hope to encourage other Indigenous students, especially young women, to believe they can thrive in technical careers. My obstacles have shaped my goals. Welding is more than a trade; it is a way to build bridges, both literally and figuratively for my community. Almost every structure we rely on requires welding, from infrastructure that connects us to the clean energy systems that will power the future. I see welding as an opportunity to contribute to this essential work while also using my skills to uplift others. In the future, I plan to give back in two ways. First, I want to mentor Indigenous youth who may not see themselves in careers like welding or engineering. Having a role model is powerful, and I want to show them that their place in these fields is valid and needed. Second, I will continue advocating for more resources in technical education, especially in underrepresented communities. My service on the Perkins Council has given me a start in this work, and I intend to carry it forward. My journey through higher education has been full of obstacles, but each challenge has made me stronger and more determined to succeed. With my education in welding, I will continue to break barriers, give back to my community, and honor the resilience of those who came before me.

From a young age, I was fascinated by working with my hands and shaping materials into something useful. At thirteen, I met an underwater welder at a career fair, and his stories of building and repairing structures beneath the surface stayed with me for years. Although I explored other career options in the medical field, welding kept calling me back. Choosing Welding Technology as my major has guided my career path. Welding is not just a job, it is a craft that combines skill, creativity, and responsibility. It allows me to build, repair, and contribute to industries that keep society moving forward. My path to welding was shaped by resilience. Life presented challenges that forced me to step away from college to care for my family. When my mother and sister were injured, I left school to support them, and later I worked long hours in management to provide stability for my household. These experiences taught me perseverance and discipline, qualities I now carry into the welding field. For me, welding is not only an interest but a path that offers both personal fulfillment and a secure future for my children. Today, I am both working in the welding field and pursuing my Welding Technology degree as a sophomore. While I learn advanced techniques in the classroom, such as pipe welding, I also apply my skills on the job each day. My academic performance reflects my commitment, I have earned a place on the Dean’s List while balancing school, work, and family. I also serve on the Perkins Council as a student representative, helping secure funds for equipment to keep the welding program strong. Working in the field, succeeding academically, and serving as a voice for my peers shows that I am not just preparing for a career, I am already living it. Welding plays a vital role in society. Nearly every structure around us depends on it. From bridges and highways that connect our communities, to pipelines that deliver energy, to the cars and airplanes that carry us worldwide, welding is at the heart of modern infrastructure. It is also critical to clean energy, since wind turbines, solar supports, and hydroelectric systems all require skilled welders. Welding is more than a trade, it is a foundation for progress, safety, and innovation. Another strength of welding is its versatility. Welders are needed in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospace, and countless other industries. With advances in technology, the field continues to evolve, offering opportunities in robotics and automation. This adaptability ensures welders remain in demand and reassures me that my career choice has long-term stability. Just as importantly, it allows me to contribute in meaningful ways, knowing that the skills I gain will support industries society depends on. What excites me most about welding is that it is both an art and a science. Precision, attention to detail, and technical knowledge are required, but there is also creativity in shaping and joining metal to exact specifications. Each project carries responsibility because a weld must be safe, strong, and reliable. This blend of challenge and purpose makes welding deeply fulfilling for me. In choosing welding, I am choosing more than a career. I am choosing a future where I can provide stability for my family, contribute to essential industries, and take pride in my work. Welding matches my resilience and professional goals, and I believe it plays an essential role in society by supporting the structures and technologies we all rely on. With dedication and skill, I look forward to being part of that vital work.

Growing up as a Native American woman has shaped nearly every part of who I am how I carry myself, how I work, how I overcome, and how I raise my daughter and son. I am a member of the Seneca Nation, and while my journey hasn’t always been easy, it has been full of lessons, strength, and deep cultural pride. I was raised in a household where family came first. When both my mother and sister suffered serious back injuries, I put my own education on hold to help care for them and support the home. As Native people, we are taught early on to look after our families and our elders, and I take that teaching to heart. It wasn’t a setback—it was a responsibility. That time shaped me into someone dependable, strong, and grounded in community values. After working for nearly a decade in the gaming industry, I made the difficult decision to leave my career as an Overnight Surveillance Shift Manager so I could return to school full-time. I enrolled in the Welding Technology program at Jamestown Community College. I’ve since found my passion in welding where hard work, precision, and skill come together to build something real. My classmates voted me “Best Welder” in our group, and I’ve consistently earned top grades. I’ve also completed OSHA training and lead by example when it comes to safety. I never cut corners, and I volunteer to help others operate equipment the right way, because that’s what we do in our culture, we help each other. My cultural identity is part of everything I do. One of the most meaningful ways I carry that forward is through my children’s regalia. Since they were infants, I have designed and handcrafted every detail from the layout and color schemes to the beadwork, ribbon work, and even their moccasins. Each stitch is done with intention and love, connecting them to their roots and preparing them to dance in the circle with pride. Watching them participate in our annual powwows fills my heart. It’s not just tradition, it’s legacy. Some of my favorite memories growing up were at our tribal events: the deep heartbeat of the drums during the Smoke Dance, the smell of corn soup, and the strength of our people coming together in ceremony and celebration. These moments taught me the value of community, heritage, and being proud of who we are. Being Native American means I’ve often had to fight harder to be seen and heard in spaces that weren’t created with us in mind. But it also means I carry generations of strength, knowledge, and survival. I feel that strength every time I weld, every time I help a classmate avoid a mistake, and every time I thread a needle to bead the next part of my children’s regalia. I show up fully Native, woman, mother, student, and I show up with purpose. I’m not just working toward a degree. I’m building a better future for my family, for my community, and for the trades. My story is one of responsibility, resilience, and cultural pride. Whether it’s in the classroom, at the welding table, or on the powwow grounds, I am carrying my ancestors forward and preparing the path for those still to come.

When I was thirteen, I met an underwater welder at a job fair. His stories about deep-sea welding, risk, and precision stuck with me for years. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that moment planted a seed that would guide my future. Years later, I’m now a Welding Technology student at Jamestown Community College, on track to turn that early spark into a lifelong career. My journey hasn’t been linear, but every challenge has shaped my commitment to welding, safety, and leadership in the trades. My circle of blended families has some experience in the trades; my brother had worked in construction as a laborer. My daughter’s father is employed by the Seneca Nation Housing Authority, where he performs maintenance work that spans multiple trades: flooring, plumbing, electrical, and roofing. Even my son's stepmother is an ironworker. Seeing the physical toll that this kind of work can take gave me a strong appreciation for the value of skilled labor—and the importance of union protection and safe job sites. Of all the construction trades, welding is where I’ve found my purpose. I enjoy the precision, discipline, and skill it requires. I’ve been voted “Best Welder” by my classmates and consistently maintain high grades in my program. More importantly, I’ve earned a reputation for leading by example when it comes to safety. I’ve completed OSHA training, and I never take off my safety glasses. I shut down equipment properly, use the correct tools, and help others follow the same standards. One moment that highlights this occurred when a classmate tried to ignite a torch using a lighter. Our instructor, who is 71, working alone with a hernia and bad shoulder, strictly forbids this, as it’s incredibly unsafe. I immediately corrected my peer and reminded them to use a striker. These small decisions matter. In the trades, one shortcut can lead to serious injury or worse. That’s why I take safety seriously not just for myself, but for everyone in the shop. If accepted into a union, I want to be part of improving how safety is taught and enforced. I would advocate for peer mentorship, where experienced workers model safe habits. I also support integrating new technologies like wearable safety sensors to monitor fatigue or exposure to hazardous gases. In addition, I would push for stronger, anonymous reporting systems to give workers a voice without fear of retaliation. My goal is to change safety culture, not just compliance. I also plan to continue my education and pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering. With that, I hope to design safer systems and tools, combining hands-on trade experience with advanced technical knowledge. I want to become the kind of engineer who truly understands the challenges that construction workers face, because I’ve been one. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of attending college full-time while raising my children. It would allow me to stay focused on my studies, advance my skills, and take the next steps toward becoming a leader in my field. This essay directly responds to every part of the prompt. I’ve shared my family background, identified welding as my chosen trade, explained how I would improve safety guidelines, and demonstrated how this scholarship would directly support my goals. My story isn’t just relevant; it’s proof of how personal experience can shape a future with purpose.