Art and welding seem completely different, but they are closely related. Art can be created in different ways. Welding is usually used to join pieces of metal together for construction or repairs, but it can also be used to make beautiful works of art. By combining welding skills and imagination, people can turn ordinary pieces of metal into something special. I see a future in welding because it gives me the idea that I can make something. I enjoy making pretty things when it comes to welding. I tend to make welded flowers. I have a 3-year welding certificate. When I started welding, I became a different person. If you're close enough to me, you can hear me slightly singing to whatever song feels right. I wasn't always into welding. When I started high school, I had no idea I wanted to be a welder; we went on a tour to our local vo-tech in 9th grade, and I got to see every class, but none really yelled at me. We went around the whole vo-tech till we got to the welding class, and I knew as soon as I stepped into the shop that it was the right one for me. I always planned on being an art kid. I have always been an artist. Welding just called out to me, while art never did. I got into the welding class. I slowly became good at welding and even better at art. I made my first art piece for my now ex-girlfriend. It was a simple rose. A year passed, and I only got better at welding. I made another flower for my current girlfriend. It was a lily. After making more flowers, I started to realize I enjoy making pretty welds. My teacher still had me work on the more manly stuff, but every time he needed someone to make something pretty, he came to me for it. Welding can be used to create sculptures, signs, furniture, animals, and decorations. Artists can use different shapes and sizes of metal to create almost anything they can imagine. The process takes patience, creativity, and careful planning. A welder needs to know how to safely use tools while also thinking about how the finished piece will look. I believe mixing art and welding is interesting because it combines creativity with a useful skill. Instead of drawing or painting on paper, a person can create something that is three-dimensional and made from strong materials. Welding also allows artists to reuse old or scrap metal and turn it into something new. Art and welding show that creativity does not have to be limited to traditional materials. It also shows that welding does not have to be limited to normal works. I beliove with the right skills and imagionation. Metal can become a pretty, unique, and meaningful work of art.

My name is Kaitlynne Grover. I plan on pursuing an education through a trade school so I can become an underwater welder. I do not know many people who are willing to foundry underwater welding, but I have always had a passion for water, and in my 9th-grade year, I got really into welding. I discovered that I could do both, so since then, I have been building my own way to achieve this balance and lead a fulfilling life. I also want to be able to look at people who told me I am picking the wrong thing and say I made it, without feeling like I didn't truly make it. My whole life, there has always been someone trying to knock me off my thing, but I have always pushed through and done what I believe I am made for. When I first joined Color Guard, I got told I would only last one year, so I lasted my whole High school life and did indoor guard. On top of that, I became the leader of the outdoor guard. I have full belief that if you think you can do something, you should put your one hundred and ten percent into it; more if you can. I will always, and I mean always, push myself to do the things people say I can't do, or won't do. I will never let myself be controlled by what people say I can't or can do. I know what I am able to give and do. I want to go to a trade school because it will push me even more, and sometimes we all need that push in life. We all need help to walk at times. So I will go to a trade school, and I will push myself to ask for help. I will state again that I want to do underwater welding. I have been told I am picking the wrong one, but this is who I am. This is who I will forever be. I do not plan on changing, nor do I want to. Being in the water was always a choice for me. I will get underwater welding one way or another. If that means I have to fight tooth and nail for it, I shall, but I will not let anything get in my way. I do hope people understand I am not in this for the money but for the passion I have for water and welding.