1. After graduation, I have been accepted to the Western Welding Academy and will begin working towards my Welder 5 Certification. 2. I was introduced to welding, in my Manufacturing Technology courses at my high school. Reading, writing and all of the other aspects of traditional school, never came easy to me. It wasn't until I started working with my hands and learning to weld, that I really found my passion. I like that welding isn't static. There is always something new to learn and improve on. There are so many different ways that welding is used in the world, and I'm excited to learn and see where the trade takes me. I've been introduced to some basic welding techniques and processes and look forward to honing in on those skills and developing them even more. I like that welding is used for such a variety of things. From building a piece of furniture, to building a bridge. Welding a pipeline requiring no leaks, to building boats also requiring no leaks. The importance of craftsmanship and attention to detail, is something that holds my interest and excites me. 3. I have been fortunate enough to have a lot of opportunities to learn new skills and trades. I come from a small town, and my friends and family all have skills and jobs that I have been able to experience and learn from. We've worked on cars, in my best friends grandpas shop, from putting a lift on a pick up, to wiring and installing new running and accent lights. I love riding ATV's, and recently tore my Raptor 700 engine apart, to install a new cam shaft. I was actively involved in helping my friends family build their new family home. From framing walls, to the finish trim work. My father is a plumber, and I've been on numerous jobs with him, learning various aspect of the trade, and just general laboring type tasks. I've spent a lot of time disassembling water heaters and various other plumbing fixtures and pipes, in order to recycle the metal scraps. I also was able to build a steel headache rack for my pick-up, in my manufacturing technology class. From sketching the design on paper, to designing it in a CAD program, to then cutting and fabricating the pieces, to weld it together for the completed project. I am really proud of that piece and thankful that my school offered that program. 4. I am currently enrolled in the Western Welding Academy in Gillette Wyoming. I will start classes September of 2024, and hopefully complete my certification in March of 2025. I have already spoken with a couple of local fabricating shops, and have been told to come apply as soon as I complete my courses. One of the project managers spent a lot of time talking with me about the aspects of the job, and how what they would hire me for, compares to what I would be learning in school. It's great to have that connection already made. 5. I believe they would tell you that I am a hard worker, who doesn't just take the easy route. I work for what I have, and take pride in having good work ethic. I am always on time, and stay until the job is done, not just staying till the clock says it's time to go. I'm loyal, responsible, and honest, all qualities that make a a worthy recipient of this scholarship.