Since my thyroidectomy, it hindered my vision of pursing my trade. For months I struggled with my self confidence, strength, and severe anxiety. I felt weak physically and mentally while I was in recovery. I wondered if I was even cut out to pursue this trade that has been on my mind for years. Being a mixed, relatively small female, I was always seen as weak and was told welding wasn’t for me. Since welding is a male dominated field, It is not common for woman to be seen in this trade. I’ve always struggled with people picking on me for what I look like, and being a easy target. I have always been judged because of my gender. Especially since I am in an already male dominated hobby. I like working on cars and I partake in interest of cars. I have been treated different by the car community because I am a woman. Many men have doubted my knowledge, and asks if “A man did all this work for me”. When in reality, I did all the work by myself and learned everything to do it, by myself. Everyone woman has heard the “women belong in the kitchen”. Or you can’t do this because of your gender. Anything that is male dominated is looked down upon, and can become an extremely toxic environment. At first, these thoughts and comments pushed me away from the thought of pursuing my education. Ive always been scared of failure, and others peoples opinions. Until realized, the only person who can show these people that I can achieve it, is myself. These people don’t know the real me, or what I’m capable of. I know I can prove anyone wrong. I am not going to back down easy. I’m a girl that's definitely not afraid to get her hands dirty. My plans after I receive my associates degree. Is to work for a reputable company and make myself the best and reputable worker. I will be determined and hardworking. I hope to then, once I build myself my reputation, to stem off into my own business. I will own my own female owned business. Also, I will be an advocate for young woman who are afraid because of the social stigma, and pressure. I want to show, no matter your age, sexuality, gender, height, etc. that you can outside anything you work hard for.

Since my thyroidectomy, it hindered my vision of pursing my trade. For months I struggled with my self confidence, strength, and severe anxiety. I felt weak physically and mentally while I was in recovery. I wondered if I was even cut out to pursue this trade that has been on my mind for years. Being a mixed, relatively small female, I was always seen as weak and was told welding wasn’t for me. Since welding is a male dominated field, It is not common for woman to be seen in this trade. I’ve always struggled with people picking on me for what I look like, and being a easy target. I have always been judged because of my gender. Especially since I am in an already male dominated hobby. I like working on cars and I partake in interest of cars. I have been treated different by the car community because I am a woman. Many men have doubted my knowledge, and asks if “A man did all this work for me”. When in reality, I did all the work by myself and learned everything to do it, by myself. Everyone woman has heard the “women belong in the kitchen”. Or you can’t do this because of your gender. Anything that is male dominated is looked down upon, and can become an extremely toxic environment. At first, these thoughts and comments pushed me away from the thought of pursuing my education. Ive always been scared of failure, and others peoples opinions. Until realized, the only person who can show these people that I can achieve it, is myself. These people don’t know the real me, or what I’m capable of. I know I can prove anyone wrong. I am not going to back down easy. I’m a girl that's definitely not afraid to get her hands dirty. I want to be an advocate for young woman who are afraid because of the social stigma and pressure. I want to show, no matter your age, sexuality, gender, height, etc. that you can outside anything you work hard for. Welding and fabrication plays an important role in today society because you see it everyone you go. Whether in the gym equipment in your local fitness place, aircraft’s, and even your very own car. It’s everywhere, and there has been a more needed demand for welders here in Utah. Without us, construction, welding and fabrication, there wouldn’t be half the items we see everyday and use. This is why it’s important to inspire people to pursue their dreams and visions. The stereotype may never change, but together we can advocate for personal change.