My name is Laken Cochran, and I’m currently attending Perry Technical Institute in the welding program. I’m the oldest of eight in a blended family and the first in my immediate family to attend college. My goal is to become a pipeline welder, travel the country, and eventually come back home to open my own welding or manufacturing business. Being the oldest of eight has shaped who I am. I’ve grown up helping my parents manage a busy household, often stepping in as a built-in babysitter and role model for my younger siblings. It’s taught me how to be dependable, work hard, and put others before myself—lessons that carry over into the classroom and the shop every day. In high school, I stayed active and committed. I was a varsity athlete in golf, basketball, and baseball at Kalama High School. Outside of sports, I gave back to my community by volunteering as a youth basketball referee, baseball umpire, and helping at local events like the elementary school daddy/daughter dance and the Timber Market. I’ve also spent time cleaning fields for Kalama Little League. These experiences taught me that leadership doesn’t always come from a title—it comes from showing up and doing the work, even when no one asks. Not everything came easy, though. During COVID, my dad lost his job and had to move to Colorado for new work. That change hit me hard—not only emotionally, as we were very close, but also financially. With our family facing a tough financial situation, I knew I would be responsible for funding my own education. That reality didn’t discourage me—it motivated me. I want to build a future where I never have to worry about stability the way my family has in the past. I chose Perry Tech because of its hands-on, high-quality training and excellent reputation in the trades. Since day one, I’ve been focused on getting the most out of my experience here. I’ve been involved in manufacturing since my freshman year of high school, earned multiple CTE awards, and have served as a mentor to others learning welding. I’m constantly looking to improve my skills and take on new challenges so I can become the best welder I can be. My long-term goal is to work as a pipeline welder, traveling the country and gaining experience in different environments and industries. After a few years, I want to come back home and open my own welding shop—one that not only supports my family but creates job opportunities for others in my community. Welding has already changed my life, and I want to pay that forward by helping others discover the same path. Receiving the Rod Tucci Memorial Scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to stay focused on my training and future. With your support, I can continue working toward a career that will make a real, lasting impact—not only for myself, but for the people and communities I hope to serve.