After shopping around for multiple trade schools, I stumbled upon Tidewater tech and did a school tour. I love how involved the program is, there are so many amazing reasons as to why I would suggest the school to other people looking to get an education in welding. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better class, most of the students in my class are so uplifting, really positive and motivated individuals. It’s really something rare and special, especially being 26 and going back to school after all of the years out of high school, I don’t know what my expectations were, but I definitely did not expect everyone around me to be so supportive of each other, it’s truly amazing. On some days when I am ahead of projects and schoolwork a few of my classmates will invite me into their booth to look at their work and vice versa. I always try to go above and beyond for my classmates as well as myself, of course, we are all very proud of each other and it’s truly something special to have people surrounding you that are always sharing their stories, techniques, and most importantly their support and motivation for themselves and others. For most of my adult working life all I have done is work in the restaurant industry. My mother thought getting me into a welding certification class would be fun for me given my artistic nature, and she would be correct. I immediately became so intrigued with welding and had such a blast, given that, I still chose to go back to my comfort for some years and I am beyond grateful for my mom always teaching me to step out of my comfort zone no matter how uncomfortable it may be, always try new things, if you do the same thing you’ve always done, you will get the same results. I made the decision to go to trade school and finally change my life for the better and for my future.