I started my career as a massage therapist and worked in that industry for fifteen years. But during and after the pandemic, the industry was on a decline. Massage was no longer an option and I needed to find something new. My father, knowing I was interested in working with my hands and loved to make art, suggested I look into welding. I realized it was the right choice at the right time. I look for work and opportunities that make the world a little better, and life a little easier. I am committed to helping others in everything I do. Recently, when a fellow student needed help with their first angle iron project, I took the initiative to not only help them locate materials but also taught them proper safety techniques and basic welding preparation. I’m a team player and I step up when I’m needed. I’m excited to have already learned a lot about welding, and to have completed some projects at home, including a welding table, backyard fence, and front gate. It’s been great practice in developing all the skills I’ll need to continue as a welder. As a woman with autism, I bring a unique perspective. I'm excited to be part of the welding community, and I read journals and keep up with the latest industry news. I’m working to improve my organizational and technical skills, from TIG and stick welding to oxy-fuel cutting. I’m a dedicated learner. I love projects that are both artistic and technical, and am eager to improve my skills. Pursuing a career in welding is something special. Not only would it mean I could put my talents and interests to work, but I would be carrying on a family tradition: my late grandfather, uncles, and father have all worked in welding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do the same. I’ve learned a lot about project planning, materials selection, and quality control. I'm also learning to work with different welding machines, including TIG and stick welding equipment, which I have at home for practice. Working on these projects has helped me understand machine settings, proper preparation, and safety protocols. I hope to find a role where I can combine technical expertise with creative work. Short-term, I hope to complete my welding education and get the necessary certifications, including the City of LA welding test. I’d like to gain experience working across different welding processes and materials, including aluminum welding and TIG applications. Starting out in massage therapy actually gave me a good starting place to move into welding – they both require attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, and an understanding of how all the pieces of something work together. I would be honored to receive this scholarship as I am excited to bring my artistic vision, work ethic, and increased skills to the welding world and building things that make a difference.

I started my career as a massage therapist and worked in that industry for fifteen years. But during and after the pandemic, the industry was on a decline. Massage was no longer an option and I needed to find something new. My father, knowing I was interested in working with my hands and loved to make art, suggested I look into welding. I realized it was the right choice at the right time. I look for work and opportunities that make the world a little better, and life a little easier. I am committed to helping others in everything I do. Recently, when a fellow student needed help with their first angle iron project, I took the initiative to not only help them locate materials but also taught them proper safety techniques and basic welding preparation. I’m a team player and I step up when I’m needed. I’m excited to have already learned a lot about welding, and to have completed some projects at home, including a welding table, backyard fence, and front gate. It’s been great practice in developing all the skills I’ll need to continue as a welder. As a woman with autism, I bring a unique perspective. I'm excited to be part of the welding community, and I read journals and keep up with the latest industry news. I’m working to improve my organizational and technical skills, from TIG and stick welding to oxy-fuel cutting. I’m a dedicated learner. I love projects that are both artistic and technical, and am eager to improve my skills. Pursuing a career in welding is something special. Not only would it mean I could put my talents and interests to work, but I would be carrying on a family tradition: my late grandfather, uncles, and father have all worked in welding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do the same. I’m working on my skills through at-home projects. I’m proud of the work my father and I have done together so far. These projects have taught me technical skills and helped me understand what collaboration looks like in welding: I designed and constructed a welding table that I use every day We built a backyard fence, making sure the measurements were precise and the joints good and strong I’m learning about structural integrity and repair techniques through rebuilding a front gate I’ve learned a lot about project planning, materials selection, and quality control. I'm also learning to work with different welding machines, including TIG and stick welding equipment, which I have at home for practice. Working on these projects has helped me understand machine settings, proper preparation, and safety protocols. I hope to find a role where I can combine technical expertise with creative work. Short-term, I hope to complete my welding education and get the necessary certifications, including the City of LA welding test. I’d like to gain experience working across different welding processes and materials, including aluminum welding and TIG applications. Starting out in massage therapy actually gave me a good starting place to move into welding – they both require attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, and an understanding of how all the pieces of something work together. I am excited to bring my artistic vision, work ethic, and increased skills to the welding world and building things that make a difference.

I started my career as a massage therapist and worked in that industry for fifteen years. But during and after the pandemic, the industry was on a decline. Massage was no longer an option and I needed to find something new. My father, knowing I was interested in working with my hands and loved to make art, suggested I look into welding. I realized it was the right choice at the right time. I look for work and opportunities that make the world a little better, and life a little easier. I am committed to helping others in everything I do. Recently, when a fellow student needed help with their first angle iron project, I took the initiative to not only help them locate materials but also taught them proper safety techniques and basic welding preparation. I’m a team player and I step up when I’m needed. I’m excited to have already learned a lot about welding, and to have completed some projects at home, including a welding table, backyard fence, and front gate. It’s been great practice in developing all the skills I’ll need to continue as a welder. As a woman with autism, I bring a unique perspective. I'm excited to be part of the welding community, and I read journals and keep up with the latest industry news. I’m working to improve my organizational and technical skills, from TIG and stick welding to oxy-fuel cutting. I’m a dedicated learner. I love projects that are both artistic and technical, and am eager to improve my skills. Pursuing a career in welding is something special. Not only would it mean I could put my talents and interests to work, but I would be carrying on a family tradition: my late grandfather, uncles, and father have all worked in welding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do the same. I’m working on my skills through at-home projects. I’m proud of the work my father and I have done together so far. These projects have taught me technical skills and helped me understand what collaboration looks like in welding: I designed and constructed a welding table that I use every day We built a backyard fence, making sure the measurements were precise and the joints good and strong I’m learning about structural integrity and repair techniques through rebuilding a front gate I’ve learned a lot about project planning, materials selection, and quality control. I'm also learning to work with different welding machines, including TIG and stick welding equipment, which I have at home for practice. Working on these projects has helped me understand machine settings, proper preparation, and safety protocols. I hope to find a role where I can combine technical expertise with creative work. Short-term, I hope to complete my welding education and get the necessary certifications, including the City of LA welding test. I’d like to gain experience working across different welding processes and materials, including aluminum welding and TIG applications. Starting out in massage therapy actually gave me a good starting place to move into welding – they both require attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, and an understanding of how all the pieces of something work together. I am excited to bring my artistic vision, work ethic, and increased skills to the welding world and building things that make a difference.

I started my career as a massage therapist and worked in that industry for fifteen years. But during and after the pandemic, the industry was on a decline. Massage was no longer an option and I needed to find something new. My father, knowing I was interested in working with my hands and loved to make art, suggested I look into welding. I realized it was the right choice at the right time. I look for work and opportunities that make the world a little better, and life a little easier. I am committed to helping others in everything I do. Recently, when a fellow student needed help with their first angle iron project, I took the initiative to not only help them locate materials but also taught them proper safety techniques and basic welding preparation. I’m a team player and I step up when I’m needed. I’m excited to have already learned a lot about welding, and to have completed some projects at home, including a welding table, backyard fence, and front gate. It’s been great practice in developing all the skills I’ll need to continue as a welder. As a woman with autism, I bring a unique perspective. I'm excited to be part of the welding community, and I read journals and keep up with the latest industry news. I’m working to improve my organizational and technical skills, from TIG and stick welding to oxy-fuel cutting. I’m a dedicated learner. I love projects that are both artistic and technical, and am eager to improve my skills. Pursuing a career in welding is something special. Not only would it mean I could put my talents and interests to work, but I would be carrying on a family tradition: my late grandfather, uncles, and father have all worked in welding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do the same. I hope to find a role where I can combine technical expertise with creative work. Short-term, I hope to complete my welding education and get the necessary certifications, including the City of LA welding test. I’d like to gain experience working across different welding processes and materials, including aluminum welding and TIG applications. Long-term, I dream of establishing my own welding business that does both artistic metalwork and structural repairs. I'm particularly interested in: Creating custom artistic metal pieces, combining form and function Doing precision repairs, perhaps for aircraft and industrial equipment Doing projects that give back to the community and put my talent to work Supporting other women welders Starting out in massage therapy actually gave me a good starting place to move into welding – they both require attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, and an understanding of how all the pieces of something work together. I am excited to bring my artistic vision, work ethic, and increased skills to the welding world and building things that make a difference.

I started my career as a massage therapist and worked in that industry for fifteen years. But during and after the pandemic, the industry was on a decline. Massage was no longer an option and I needed to find something new. My father, knowing I was interested in working with my hands and loved to make art, suggested I look into welding. I realized it was the right choice at the right time. I look for work and opportunities that make the world a little better, and life a little easier. I am committed to helping others in everything I do. Recently, when a fellow student needed help with their first angle iron project, I took the initiative to not only help them locate materials but also taught them proper safety techniques and basic welding preparation. I’m a team player and I step up when I’m needed. I’m excited to have already learned a lot about welding, and to have completed some projects at home, including a welding table, backyard fence, and front gate. It’s been great practice in developing all the skills I’ll need to continue as a welder. As a woman with autism, I bring a unique perspective. I'm excited to be part of the welding community, and I read journals and keep up with the latest industry news. I’m working to improve my organizational and technical skills, from TIG and stick welding to oxy-fuel cutting. I’m a dedicated learner. I love projects that are both artistic and technical, and am eager to improve my skills. I’m working on my skills through at-home projects. I’m proud of the work my father and I have done together so far. These projects have taught me technical skills and helped me understand what collaboration looks like in welding: I designed and constructed a welding table that I use every day We built a backyard fence, making sure the measurements were precise and the joints good and strong I’m learning about structural integrity and repair techniques through rebuilding a front gate and learned a lot about project planning, materials selection, and quality control. I'm also learning to work with different welding machines, including TIG and stick welding equipment, which I have at home for practice. Pursuing a career in welding is something special. Not only would it mean I could put my talents and interests to work, but I would be carrying on a family tradition: my late grandfather, uncles, and father have all worked in welding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do the same. I hope to find a role where I can combine technical expertise with creative work. Short-term, I hope to complete my welding education and get the necessary certifications, including the City of LA welding test. I’d like to gain experience working across different welding processes and materials, including aluminum welding and TIG applications. Long-term, I dream of establishing my own welding business that does both artistic metalwork and structural repairs. I'm particularly interested in: Creating custom artistic metal pieces, combining form and function Doing precision repairs, perhaps for aircraft and industrial equipment Doing projects that give back to the community and put my talent to work Supporting other women welders Starting out in massage therapy actually gave me a good starting place to move into welding – they both require attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, and an understanding of how all the pieces of something work together. I am excited to bring my artistic vision, work ethic, and increased skills to the welding world and building things that make a difference.

I'm a happy, stable, outgoing go getter that is eager to learn and engage in opportunities that come my way. I was diagnosed on the autism spectrum when I was three years old. It affects my learning and thinking processing skills. However, I have figured out different strategies to help me be a successful student. I received help through a counselor and a speech therapist to help improve my social life and my cognitive skills. I have been a successful massage therapist for almost 15 years. I'm very interested to tune into how the economy works and I can tell you that makes me nuts. One thing I noticed in the past couple years is the massage industry has stalled and made it almost impossible to make a living. Given this trend, I started looking around at other occupations that looked interesting. I knew I needed to do something that is physically involved not just sitting at desk. That is not going to work for me.  My dad has owned a construction business my whole life and I always been around when he's done different trades. He talked about welding and how many different type of work and the more I got interested and excited about all the different types of welding. So here I am, still working and now taking my second course and I absolutely love it.   I was able to receive help to get a leg up to get ahead of the class. I went to Millikan High School as a main choice in choosing art as an education elective while doing general education.I got involved with Special Olympics when I was 10 years old competing in swimming, snow skiing, and volleyball for 6 years. I won 52 gold medals, 16 silver and 3 bronze medals while I got on the front page from the press telegram competing in freestyle. I got involved on the high school girl's swim team for 3 years until I decided to focus on my credits for school.  I graduated Millikan High School with a high school diploma, high honors, medallion gold metal for art, principal’s honor roll, and receiving swim coach's award for Junior Varsity. I went to California College of Physical Arts after graduating high school in 2009 to study massage therapy. I wound up getting certified as a holistic health practitioner also known as massage therapist reaching over 1,000 hours. I worked in the massage industry for 15 years. As time went by, the massage therapy industry stalled. I decided to go back to Long Beach City College as a career change into the welding industry. My goal at the Long Beach City College campus is obtain a certificate of completion and go work in the welding repair department and create art hobbies on the side.   I enjoy side hobbies such as hiking, bowling, swimming, drawing, reading, cooking, baking, and working on my ancestry family tree. I plan to start my own welding business and continue to express my passion in welding and also employ others who want to explore the world of welding and help them to express their technique and passion in the metal fabrication industry. I feel once I can put my plan in action that it will become a major way of how I can give back and express my gratitude to my community. I would be honored to receive this scholarship that will help me work towards my goal of spreading my passion as a welder and a give the community a chance to inspire others to go after their long run dream career.

Reflecting on my grandfather's military experience and an electrical engineer, he never stopped learning to learn math, science and flying a B-17 airplane pilot as an army air core veteran. He served his community and his country with a deep sense of gratitude and providing My grandfather did some welding experiences in his garage. My valuable lessons from my grandfather is keep being busy and just do it. I didn't realize I was told from my mom that I have family members on my mom's side that did welding as a hobby and having their own welding business. Given this trend, I started looking around at other vocations that looked interesting. I was diagnosed on the autism spectrum when I was three years old. It affects my learning and thinking processing skills. However, I have figured out different strategies to help me be a successful student. As I'm also an artist, I knew I needed to do something that is physically involved not just sitting at desk. That is not going to work for me. My dad has owned a construction business my whole life and I always been around when he's done different trades. He talked about welding and how many different types of work. The more I got interested and excited about all the different types of welding, the more I'm interested in learning more. So here I am, still working at a day spa and now taking my second course and I absolutely love it. I was able to receive help to get a leg up to get ahead of the class. I went to Millikan High School as a main choice in choosing art as an education elective while doing general education.I got involved with Special Olympics when I was 10 years old competing in swimming, snow skiing, and volleyball for 6 years. I graduated Millikan High School with a high school diploma, high honors, medallion gold metal for art, principal’s honor roll, and receiving swim coach's award for Junior Varsity. I went to California College of Physical Arts after graduating high school in 2009 to study massage therapy. I wound up getting certified as a holistic health practitioner also known as massage therapist reaching over 1,000 hours and over exceed 50 clinical hours. I worked in the massage industry for 15 years. As time went by and the massage therapy stalled, I'm currently back to Long Beach City College to change my career into the welding industry. My goal at the Long Beach City College campus is obtain a certificate of completion and go work in the welding repair department and create art hobbies on the side. Once I am able to and have the knowledge too, I plan to start my own welding business and continue to express my passion in welding and also employ others who want to explore the world of welding. Working in a field that I love, being able to support family, good work/life balance, becoming a respected professional in the trade, helping others succeed, always keeping a positive mindset, being a positive role model in my community, and maintaining a good relationship with friends, family, and coworkers. I am willing to put in the work, both professionally and personally. I would be honored to receive this scholarship that will help me work towards my goal of spreading my passion as a welder.

Reflecting on my grandfather's military experience and an electrical engineer, he never stopped learning to learn math, science and flying a B-17 airplane pilot as an army air core veteran. He served his community and his country with a deep sense of gratitude and providing My grandfather did some welding experiences in his garage. My valuable lessons from my grandfather is keep being busy and just do it. I didn't realize I was told from my mom that I have family members on my mom's side that did welding as a hobby and having their own welding business. My dad has owned a construction business my whole life and I always been around when he's done different trades. He talked about welding and how many different types of work. The more I got interested and excited about all the different types of welding, the more I'm interested in learning more. So here I am, still working at a day spa and now taking my second course and I absolutely love it. I was able to receive help to get a leg up to get ahead of the class. As time went by, I decided to go back to Long Beach City College as a career change into the welding industry. My goal at the Long Beach City College campus is obtain a certificate of completion and go work in the welding repair department and create art hobbies on the side. Once I am able to and have the knowledge too, I plan to start my own welding business and continue to express my passion in welding and also employ others who want to explore the world of welding and help them to express their technique and passion in the metal fabrication industry. I feel once I can put my plan in action that it will become a major way of how I can give back and express my gratitude to my community. I would be honored to receive this scholarship that will help me work towards my goal of spreading my passion as a welder. 1. Leadership to me is not only leading from the front but setting the example. Understanding one’s team, learning their strengths and weaknesses so they can be effectively employed. Getting to know one’s members and learning ways to keep them engaged. 2. Learning resiliency by creating, igniting a desire for the team to meet the mission at hand. My favorite quote from Fred Rogers "Often when you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else". Are they willing to put in the work or just quit when things get tough. 3. Unselfishness comes by treating others the way you want to be treated. My favorite quote from Maya Angelou "My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart." 4. When someone has truly understood their purpose and calling, they maintain focus and determination. Being focused comes from knowing the importance of accomplishing what one has set out to do. 5.I have learned that hard work pays off. I have seen sacrifices made by my parents and my Marines to be the best they can be. That comes from understanding that nothing is given, but it must be earned.

Reflecting on my grandfather's military experience and an electrical engineer, he never stopped learning to learn math, science and flying a B-17 airplane pilot as an army air core veteran. He served his community and his country with a deep sense of gratitude and providing My grandfather did some welding experiences in his garage. My valuable lessons from my grandfather is keep being busy and just do it. I didn't realize I was told from my mom that I have family members on my mom's side that did welding as a hobby and having their own welding business. Given this trend, I started looking around at other vocations that looked interesting. I was diagnosed on the autism spectrum when I was three years old. It affects my learning and thinking processing skills. However, I have figured out different strategies to help me be a successful student. As I'm also an artist, I knew I needed to do something that is physically involved not just sitting at desk. That is not going to work for me.  My dad has owned a construction business my whole life and I always been around when he's done different trades. He talked about welding and how many different types of work. The more I got interested and excited about all the different types of welding, the more I'm interested in learning more. So here I am, still working at a day spa and now taking my second course and I absolutely love it.   I was able to receive help to get a leg up to get ahead of the class. I went to Millikan High School as a main choice in choosing art as an education elective while doing general education.I got involved with Special Olympics when I was 10 years old competing in swimming, snow skiing, and volleyball for 6 years. I won 52 gold medals, 16 silver and 3 bronze medals while I got on the front page from the press telegram competing in freestyle. I got involved on the high school girl's swim team for 3 years until I decided to focus on my credits for school.  I graduated Millikan High School with a high school diploma, high honors, medallion gold metal for art, principal’s honor roll, and receiving swim coach's award for Junior Varsity. I went to California College of Physical Arts after graduating high school in 2009 to study massage therapy. I wound up getting certified as a holistic health practitioner also known as massage therapist reaching over 1,000 hours and over exceed 50 clinical hours. I worked in the massage industry for 15 years. As time went by and the massage therapy warped into franchisees, I decided to go back to Long Beach City College as a career change into the welding industry. My goal at the Long Beach City College campus is obtain a certificate of completion and go work in the welding repair department and create art hobbies on the side.  Once I am able to and have the knowledge too, I plan to start my own welding business and continue to express my passion in welding and also employ others who want to explore the world of welding and help them to express their technique and passion in the metal fabrication industry. I feel once I can put my plan in action that it will become a major way of how I can give back and express my gratitude to my community. I would be honored to receive this scholarship that will help me work towards my goal of spreading my passion as a welder.

I'm a happy, stable, outgoing go getter that is eager to learn and engage in opportunities that come my way. I was diagnosed on the autism spectrum when I was three years old. It affects my learning and thinking processing skills. However, I have figured out different strageties to help me be a successful student. I have been a successful massage therapist for almost 15 years. I'm very interested to tune into how the economy works and I can tell you that makes me nuts. One thing I noticed in the past couple years is the massage industry has stalled and made it almost impossible to make a living. Given this trend, I started looking around at other vocations that looked interesting. As I'm also an artist, I knew I needed to do something that is physically involved not just sitting at desk. That is not going to work for me. My dad has owned a construction business my whole life and I always been around when he's done different trades. He talked about welding and how many different type of work and the more I got interested and excited about all the different types of welding. So here I am, still working and now taking my second course and I absolutely love it. I was able to receive help to get a leg up to get ahead of the class. I went to Millikan High School as a main choice in choosing art as an education elective while doing general education.I got involved with Special Olympics when I was 10 years old competing in swimming, snow skiing, and volleyball for 6 years. I won 52 gold medals, 16 silver and 3 bronze medals while I got on the front page from the press telegram competing in freestyle. I got involved on the high school girl's swim team for 3 years until I decided to focus on my credits for school. I graduated Millikan High School with a high school diploma, high honors, medallion gold metal for art, principal's honor roll, and receiving swim coach's award for Junior Varsity. I went to California College of Physical Arts after graduating high school in 2009 to study massage therapy. I wound up getting certified as a holistic health practitioner also known as massage therapist reaching over 1,000 hours and over exceed 50 clinical hours. I worked in the massage industry for 15 years. As time went by and the massage therapy warped into franchisees, I decided to go back to Long Beach City College as a career change into the welding industry. My goal at the Long Beach City College campus is obtain a certificate of completion and go work in the welding repair department and create art hobbies on the side. Once I am able to and have the knowledge too, I plan to start my own welding business and continue to express my passion in welding and also employ others who want to explore the world of welding and help them to express their technique and passion in the metal fabrication industry. I feel once I can put my plan in action that it will become a major way of how I can give back and express my gratitude to my community. I would be honored to receive this scholarship that will help me work towards my goal of spreading my passion as a welder.

The saying goes "what you do is unto others". It's a lesson of how I received as making a decision that is a cause and effect of the outcome to Paying it forward is a critical idea in producing positivity in our world. One good deed could impact an individual for the rest of their lives. It takes little effort on our part to bring joy to others. So, why not do it? This is my goal for helping others that goes a long way to make a difference. I'm a happy, stable, outgoing go getter that is eager to learn and engage in opportunities that come my way. I was diagnosed on the autism spectrum when I was three years old. It affects my learning and thinking processing skills. However, I have figured out different strategies to help me be a successful student. I have been a successful massage therapist for almost 15 years. I'm very interested to tune into how the economy works and I can tell you that makes me nuts. One thing I noticed in the past couple years is the massage industry has stalled and made it almost impossible to make a living. Given this trend, I started looking around at other vocations that looked interesting. As I'm also an artist, I knew I needed to do something that is physically involved not just sitting at desk. That is not going to work for me. My dad has owned a construction business my whole life and I always been around when he's done different trades. He talked about welding and how many different type of work and the more I got interested and excited about all the different types of welding. So here I am, still working and now taking my second course and I absolutely love it. I went to Millikan High School as a main choice in choosing art as an education elective while doing general education.I got involved with Special Olympics when I was 10 years old competing in swimming, snow skiing, and volleyball for 6 years. I won 52 gold medals, 16 silver and 3 bronze medals while I got on the front page from the press telegram competing in freestyle. I got involved on the high school girl's swim team for 3 years until I decided to focus on my credits for school. I graduated Millikan High School with a high school diploma, high honors, medallion gold metal for art, principal's honor roll, and receiving swim coach's award for Junior Varsity. I decided to go back to Long Beach City College as a career change into the welding industry. My goal at the Long Beach City College campus is obtain a certificate of completion and go work in the welding repair department and create art hobbies on the side. Paying it forward would mean helping hand of a person who is need of helping with groceries, buying an ice cream when they have money shortage, or going out of your way to help a person with crossing the street, listening to the person who is going through an awful mental health experience and needs help finding a counselor on their journey to healing, or asking the person if they help walking the dog. I I would be honored to receive this scholarship that will help me work towards my goal of spreading my passion as a welder.

Reading from the intro to the scholarship has been very inspiring. After working at a job that I used to love, I had a talk with my dad and he said that I’m very good with my hands and said to look into welding. My father inspired me to go to trade school. Watching him work on woodworking and welding was a momentum of hope. Being raised with hard work, dedication, and respect, he made his mark in this work doing something that would last for years. In addition to his hard work, little me was there to help and let a good mental note of my father’s true heart and feelings towards people and revealed how he is when it came to helping others in his community. He is now passing the torch to me take on more responsibility of having a skill set that will be in high demands calls for repairs, and being the first woman to be reliable in need of house repairs and moving forward and beyond. I love being creative with my hands, and it just became a perfect opportunity to learn any skill that will pay off in the long run. I thought about it for a week and a half and I decided to go back to school to pursue welding. I realize I have a gift of being creative with my hands and becoming a fast learner. I enjoyed the class on the first day when I came back to school. I'm very eager to start my journey into welding. The welding class gave me dreams and opportunities to figure out my options of what I can specialize in and possibly own my own welding company for the future. I hope to achieve goals of earning a certificate of completion to get into an apprenticeship and eventually land a welding job possibly into aerospace, manufacturing or on a boat. With the scholarship that I’m applying to will hopefully help me pay my student tuition while pursuing education purposes to make a big difference in becoming one of the examples of perseverance, excellence and merit to success. I hope the scholarship will give me a promising perspective achieving what I love to put that into practice in putting an impact on the industry that is looking for more women taking over the welding industry. I would be honored to have this scholarship that will help continue my education and make a big difference. The company's core values would mean setting standards that takes aim at gaining trust and the leadership that provides success to winning not just customers. I think gaining self confidence to open the door for more opportunities to overcome obstacles ahead would help the company to move towards more ways of getting more innovation to provide high quality of service, helping others to do their part helping team members to reach their goals in a timely manner through effort and perseverance. Teamwork would mean not just waiting for the person to do the work for you, you would step and do the work. Generosity would mean acting on the character you wish to see for yourself and for others. Innovation would mean getting ideas for yourself to project to the team and collaborate ideas that will align with the company's standards.

Reading from the intro to the scholarship has been very inspiring. After working at a job that I used to love, I had a talk with my dad and he said that I’m very good with my hands and said to look into welding. My father inspired me to go to trade school. Watching him work on woodworking and welding was a momentum of hope. Being raised with hard work, dedication, and respect, he made his mark in this work doing something that would last for years. In addition to his hard work, little me was there to help and let a good mental note of my father’s true heart and feelings towards people and revealed how he is when it came to helping others in his community. He is now passing the torch to me take on more responsibility of having a skill set that will be in high demands calls for repairs, and being the first woman to be reliable in need of house repairs and moving forward and beyond. I love being creative with my hands, and it just became a perfect opportunity to learn any skill that will pay off in the long run. I thought about it for a week and a half and I decided to go back to school to pursue welding. I realize I have a gift of being creative with my hands and becoming a fast learner. I enjoyed the class on the first day when I came back to school. I'm very eager to start my journey into welding. The welding class gave me dreams and opportunities to figure out my options of what I can specialize in and possibly own my own welding company for the future. I hope to achieve goals of earning a certificate of completion to get into an apprenticeship and eventually land a welding job possibly into aerospace, manufacturing or on a boat. With the scholarship that I’m applying to will hopefully help me pay my student tuition while pursuing education purposes to make a big difference in becoming one of the examples of perseverance, excellence and merit to success. I hope the scholarship will give me a promising perspective achieving what I love to put that into practice in putting an impact on the industry that is looking for more women taking over the welding industry. I would be honored to have this scholarship that will help continue my education and make a big difference.

Reading from the intro to the scholarship has been very inspiring. After working at a job that I used to love, I had a talk with my dad and he said that I’m very good with my hands and said to look into welding. My father inspired me to go to trade school. Watching him work on woodworking and welding was a momentum of hope. Being raised with hard work, dedication, and respect, he made his mark in this work doing something that would last for years. In addition to his hard work, little me was there to help and let a good mental note of my father’s true heart and feelings towards people and revealed how he is when it came to helping others in his community. He is now passing the torch to me take on more responsibility of having a skill set that will be in high demands calls for repairs, and being the first woman to be reliable in need of house repairs and moving forward and beyond. I love being creative with my hands, and it just became a perfect opportunity to learn any skill that will pay off in the long run. I thought about it for a week and a half and I decided to go back to school to pursue welding. I realize I have a gift of being creative with my hands and becoming a fast learner. I enjoyed the class on the first day when I came back to school. I'm very eager to start my journey into welding. The welding class gave me dreams and opportunities to figure out my options of what I can specialize in and possibly own my own welding company for the future. I hope to achieve goals of earning a certificate of completion to get into an apprenticeship and eventually land a welding job possibly into aerospace, manufacturing or on a boat. With the scholarship that I’m applying to will hopefully help me pay my student tuition while pursuing education purposes to make a big difference in becoming one of the examples of perseverance, excellence and merit to success. I hope the scholarship will give me a promising perspective achieving what I love to put that into practice in putting an impact on the industry that is looking for more women taking over the welding industry. I would be honored to have this scholarship that will help continue my education and make a big difference.

When I was three and a half years old, I was diagnosed with a mild form of autism and developmental delay. My parent's world got turned upside down when a psychiatrist came out of the learning room and told my parents about my diagnosis. My parents were on their own for a year until my dad found an organization that helps treat autism and how I can effectively learn my motor and social skills. Not a lot of people know I have it but if they do I just want to prove that disabilities do not disable dreams from coming to reality. Throughout elementary and middle school, I was in a speech therapy class but that didn't affect my ability to learn. I had a hard time keeping up with learning and doing homework that looked difficult to complete. I asked my parents "why do I need a speech therapist?" They said I have a hard time paying attention in school and social and communication skills are very low. The speech therapist did help me improve my social and motor skills to become successful in classrooms. I always strive to be the best student I can be. I realized I had a megaphone in my mind that said to go for it. I was able to overcome obstacles of my learning disability to process information differently while I continued to learn. When I first went to my dad's client's studio for a construction project, he introduced me to an artist that's willing to help me learn watercolor art on paper to help me communicate my social and motor skills. A lightbulb came into my brain and I just knew art was very soothing for me. Art became my sanctuary and I decided to continue making art with hands by drawing and using sidewalk chalk to bring out my creativity to help me feel better for myself. Outside the classroom, I am Girl Scout. High ranking of attainable. I was good at selling girl scout cookies. I continued to help people register to vote during my last years of high school. I've been awarded with Principal's Honor Roll, Medallion Gold, High School Diploma and High Honors. I got accepted to a private massage school in the summer of 2007 and then eventually went full time after I graduated high school and graduating massage school in 2011 as a certified massage therapist. I got accepted to Long Beach City College to take art and business classes. After being out of school with personal issues, I decided to switch my major into Spa management at another college at Orange Coast College. I took a couple classes and realized I had similar learning skills at the other private massage school and put in more knowledge to help enhance my skills of customer service. With the economy changing with jobs, I decided to go back to school to major in welding. It was not my idea go back to school until I had a talk with my dad about my artistic skills while on the spectrum. I had hard time with math and english. My strengths are creating art with my hands and my weaknesses are math, english, reading and science. I knew the arts was a stepping stone of making a big difference of using my learning disability to make a story come to life. When I discovered this scholarship, I felt relief knowing that I'm not alone.

I'm an artistically creative artist that it is willing to seek out more opportunities to go into welding that will help impact the world that needs more creative people to pursue talents in the welding industry. I've been told that a couple of my family members were welders and one of them owns a semiautomatic welding shop which inspired me to pursue a new skill. After three months of figuring out how to learn a new skill while working in the spa industry that left me, I had a talk with my dad what I need to do bring my talented hands into a new set that will be a lifetime experience that would greatly impact the world. My dad told me I would try welding to see if it's going to be a good fit for me. He is right. I'm currently in school to pursue a learning experience into the welding trade school at Long Beach City College. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that helps me feel at ease. The introduction class gave me a sense of happiness, joy and struggles along the way into pursuing more classes to learn. Due to my mental disability, I was able to get accommodations from my instructor that is willing to help me achieve my goal while being able to weld and to learn the knowledge of all the codes, techniques and careful learning skills to dip my toes in the water so I don't fall behind in the class. The more I learn, the more interested in learning more. In the now, I see myself making hobbies with the welding skills and also a possible job into the industry to weld parts that need to be repaired. After my dad had his own business doing some welding and semi retired, I knew I have the support I need and he passed along the torch to me not only build my own spa business but to expand into having my own welding business. My goal is to learn the knowledge and gain the skills necessary to become a welder. I feel the trades are an asset to our communities and our lives. My plans after my program completion are to get a job in my field in hopes that my employer will provide further education opportunities either on the job or opportunities to attend training seminars or workshops. Welding is my dream and I cannot wait to begin my journey regardless of what people say as I know I have my family and friend's support and they believe in me. After the pandemic hit me and my uncle passing away from covid-19, I became more resilient after the mourning period and saw bright light that captured my heart to say keep going, you will go far. I decided to take my late uncle's traits into a reality to learn to have fun being passionate in the arts by going to work while pursuing school. He loved to travel and make things with his hands and encouraged me to keep myself busy. He is still a big influence in my everyday life. Life is never the same after you suffer a significant loss of someone you love. You can not replace them, you find ways to honor their life and what it meant to you. I would be honored to receive this scholarship that will help me work towards my goal of spreading my passion as a welder.

When I was three and a half years old, I was diagnosed with a mild form of autism and developmental delay. My parent's world got turned upside down when a psychiatrist came out of the learning room and told my parents about my diagnosis. My parents were on their own for a year until my dad found an organization that helps treat autism and how I can effectively learn my motor and social skills. Not a lot of people know I have it but if they do I just want to prove that disabilities do not disable dreams from coming to reality. Throughout elementary and middle school, I was in a speech therapy class but that didn't affect my ability to learn. I had a hard time keeping up with learning and doing homework that looked difficult to complete. I asked my parents "why do I need a speech therapist?" They said I have a hard time paying attention in school and social and communication skills are very low. The speech therapist did help me improve my social and motor skills to become successful in classrooms. I always strive to be the best student I can be. I realized I had a megaphone in my mind that said to go for it. I was able to overcome obstacles of my learning disability to process information differently while I continued to learn. When I first went to my dad's client's studio for a construction project, he introduced me to an artist that's willing to help me learn watercolor art on paper to help me communicate my social and motor skills. A lightbulb came into my brain and I just knew art was very soothing for me. Art became my sanctuary and I decided to continue making art with hands by drawing and using sidewalk chalk to bring out my creativity to help me feel better for myself. Outside the classroom, I am Girl Scout. High ranking of attainable. I was good at selling girl scout cookies. I continued to help people register to vote during my last years of high school. I've been awarded with Principal's Honor Roll, Medallion Gold, High School Diploma and High Honors. I got accepted to a private massage school in the summer of 2007 and then eventually went full time after I graduated high school and graduating massage school in 2011 as a certified massage therapist. I got accepted to Long Beach City College to take art and business classes. After being out of school with personal issues, I decided to switch my major into Spa management at another college at Orange Coast College. I took a couple classes and realized I had similar learning skills at the other private massage school and put in more knowledge to help enhance my skills of customer service. With the economy changing with jobs, I decided to go back to school to major in welding. It was not my idea go back to school until I had a talk with my dad about my artistic skills while on the spectrum. I had hard time with math and english. My strengths are creating art with my hands and my weaknesses are math, english, reading and science. I knew the arts was a stepping stone of making a big difference of using my learning disability to make a story come to life. When I discovered this scholarship, I felt relief knowing that I'm not alone. I would feel honored to receive this scholarship in Dylan's honor as someone with NF and a learning disability.

There is no testimony without the test. My testimony and my determination to never give up no matter what it may look like, feel like, or seem like are what make me a non-traditional student. My tests in life were made to stop me but they've only managed to slow me down. I am determined to complete college with my certificate of completion at the age of 38! I am driven to complete college for the betterment of my future and my future family. My mom worked as a computer specs coordinator and retired in 2022. My dad had his own business in construction and house projects for thirty seven plus years and decided to semi retire from construction and work on computerized house projects. The inspiration began while my parents worked hard and valued hard work and dedication through perseverance and determination. As a non-traditional student, I am acutely aware of the sacrifices required on this path. At age thirty four, I came to a realization that the massage industry is sinking towards franchise companies that only care about their money instead of treating their therapists equally opportunities of their work and higher pay. As I was talking to my dad of other possibilities, he told me I'm good at drawing and can very well take an opportunity to work in the garage and also work in the industrial community. He said to try welding and I told him I'll think about it. I made a decision to go back to school to take welding classes and been enjoying the classes at it's incredible example of trades that offer opportunities to support as the first woman in my family to take on the family trades for the future. firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities for my children and me. It is a transformative force that can break the cycle of limited opportunities and create a new narrative of success. By becoming a non-traditional student, I am actively challenging societal norms, embracing the power of education, and showcasing the strength of my folks love and support. What sets me apart as a non-traditional student is not only my unique journey but also the driving force behind my pursuit of higher education. As a non-traditional student, I stand out due to my circumstances and responsibilities. Unlike the traditional path of entering a private college right after high school, my journey has taken a different trajectory. I decided to go back to massage therapy school for another two years and graduated in 2011 with higher hours and units that put me into the workforce to build clientele and ready to be out in making difference of showing off my talent through the workplace. After the pandemic hit me, the massage therapy world was no longer an affordable place to have a business and do business with someone else while continued to work at the spa. That's when welding came back into trade schools and my father gave me a opportunity to shift focus on going back to school while working. While my path may differ from the traditional student, it is marked by resilience, unwavering commitment, and the pursuit of educational opportunities. By embracing my role as a non-traditional student, I am not only shaping my future but also creating a foundation for my family.

I'm an artistically creative artist that it is willing to seek out more opportunities to go into welding that will help impact the world that needs more creative people to pursue talents in the welding industry. I've been told that a couple of my family members were welders and one of them owns a semiautomatic welding shop which inspired me to pursue a new skill. After three months of figuring out how to learn a new skill while working in the spa industry that left me, I had a talk with my dad what I need to do bring my talented hands into a new set that will be a lifetime experience that would greatly impact the world. My dad told me I would try welding to see if it's going to be a good fit for me. He is right. I'm currently in school to pursue a learning experience into the welding trade school at Long Beach City College. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that helps me feel at ease. The introduction class gave me a sense of happiness, joy and struggles along the way into pursuing more classes to learn. Due to my mental disability, I was able to get accommodations from my instructor that is willing to help me achieve my goal while being able to weld and to learn the knowledge of all the codes, techniques and careful learning skills to dip my toes in the water so I don't fall behind in the class. The more I learn, the more interested in learning more. In the now, I see myself making hobbies with the welding skills and also a possible job into the industry to weld parts that need to be repaired. After my dad had his own business doing some welding and semi retired, I knew I have the support I need and he passed along the torch to me not only build my own spa business but to expand into having my own welding business. My goal is to learn the knowledge and gain the skills necessary to become a welder. I feel the trades are an asset to our communities and our lives. My plans after my program completion are to get a job in my field in hopes that my employer will provide further education opportunities either on the job or opportunities to attend training seminars or workshops. Welding is my dream and I cannot wait to begin my journey regardless of what people say as I know I have my family and friend's support and they believe in me. After the pandemic hit me and my uncle passing away from covid-19, I became more resilient after the mourning period and saw bright light that captured my heart to say keep going, you will go far. I decided to take my late uncle's traits into a reality to learn to have fun being passionate in the arts by going to work while pursuing school. He loved to travel and make things with his hands and encouraged me to keep myself busy. He is still a big influence in my everyday life. Life is never the same after you suffer a significant loss of someone you love. You can not replace them, you find ways to honor their life and what it meant to you.

I'm an artistically creative artist that it is willing to seek out more opportunities to go into welding that will help impact the world that needs more creative people to pursue talents in the welding industry. I've been told that a couple of my family members were welders and one of them owns a semiautomatic welding shop which inspired me to pursue a new skill. After three months of figuring out how to learn a new skill while working in the spa industry that left me, I had a talk with my dad what I need to do bring my talented hands into a new set that will be a lifetime experience that would greatly impact the world. My dad told me I would try welding to see if it's going to be a good fit for me. He is right. I'm currently in school to pursue a learning experience into the welding trade school at Long Beach City College. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that helps me feel at ease. The introduction class gave me a sense of happiness, joy and struggles along the way into pursuing more classes to learn. Due to my mental disability, I was able to get accommodations from my instructor that is willing to help me achieve my goal while being able to weld and to learn the knowledge of all the codes, techniques and careful learning skills to dip my toes in the water so I don't fall behind in the class. The more I learn, the more interested in learning more. In the now, I see myself making hobbies with the welding skills and also a possible job into the industry to weld parts that need to be repaired. After my dad had his own business doing some welding and semi retired, I knew I have the support I need and he passed along the torch to me not only build my own spa business but to expand into having my own welding business that will count towards a successful career that I'm reliable and a being a person to count on when somebody needs a welder who is skilled and can get the job done. When I got good at making art with my hands, I realized I can do more than just drawing and painting. Welding became another skill set to learn for making art as a hobby and repairs above and beyond. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder. Welding is my dream and I cannot wait to begin my journey regardless of what people say as I know I have my families support and they believe in me.

I'm an artistically creative artist that it is willing to seek out more opportunities to go into welding that will help impact the world that needs more creative people to pursue talents in the welding industry. I've been told that a couple of my family members were welders and one of them owns a semiautomatic welding shop which inspired me to pursue a new skill. After three months of figuring out how to learn a new skill while working in the spa industry that left me, I had a talk with my dad what I need to do bring my talented hands into a new set that will be a lifetime experience that would greatly impact the world. My dad told me I would try welding to see if it's going to be a good fit for me. He is right. I'm currently in school to pursue a learning experience into the welding trade school at Long Beach City College. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that helps me feel at ease. The introduction class gave me a sense of happiness, joy and struggles along the way into pursuing more classes to learn. Due to my mental disability, I was able to get accommodations from my instructor that is willing to help me achieve my goal while being able to weld and to learn the knowledge of all the codes, techniques and careful learning skills to dip my toes in the water so I don't fall behind in the class. The more I learn, the more interested in learning more. In the now, I see myself making hobbies with the welding skills and also a possible job into the industry to weld parts that need to be repaired. After my dad had his own business doing some welding and semi retired, I knew I have the support I need and he passed along the torch to me not only build my own spa business but to expand into having my own welding business that will count towards a successful career that I'm reliable and a being a person to count on when somebody needs a welder who is skilled and can get the job done. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder. Welding is my dream and I cannot wait to begin my journey regardless of what people say as I know I have my families support and they believe in me.

I'm an artistically creative artist that it is willing to seek out more opportunities to go into welding that will help impact the world that needs more creative people to pursue talents in the welding industry. I've been told that a couple of my family members were welders and one of them owns a semiautomatic welding shop which inspired me to pursue a new skill. After three months of figuring out how to learn a new skill while working in the spa industry that left me, I had a talk with my dad what I need to do bring my talented hands into a new set that will be a lifetime experience that would greatly impact the world. My dad told me I would try welding to see if it's going to be a good fit for me. He is right. I'm currently in school to pursue a learning experience into the welding trade school at Long Beach City College. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that helps me feel at ease. The introduction class gave me a sense of happiness, joy and struggles along the way into pursuing more classes to learn. Due to my mental disability, I was able to get accommodations from my instructor that is willing to help me achieve my goal while being able to weld and to learn the knowledge of all the codes, techniques and careful learning skills to dip my toes in the water so I don't fall behind in the class. The more I learn, the more interested in learning more. In the now, I see myself making hobbies with the welding skills and also a possible job into the industry to weld parts that need to be repaired. After my dad had his own business doing some welding and semi retired, I knew I have the support I need and he passed along the torch to me not only build my own spa business but to expand into having my own welding business that will count towards a successful career that I'm reliable and a being a person to count on when somebody needs a welder who is skilled and can get the job done. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder. Welding is my dream and I cannot wait to begin my journey regardless of what people say as I know I have my families support and they believe in me.

After being in the massage industry for fifteen plus years, the massage industry started going south in April 2024. I spoke to my dad on how am I going to switch a career path. He said to try a welding class. I thought about it for a week and half since April and I decided to go back to school to learn a trade in welding. I realized I have a passion of working with my hands and it will make a steady impact on how a woman like myself would be skilled to get the job done with patience and beyond. My late grandfather did some welding, my uncle did some welding and own a welding shop. I had no idea the welding trades were coming back to schools until I decided to go back to school to gain the knowledge to be able to be asked on demand for repairs and what work comes my way. It will be interesting that I will be the first woman running in my family to jump start into the welding industry and make the world a better place. Welding may seem scary for me at first. I've been very fascinated with my father's work in the garage for decades and it was time I step up to help other welders to form a team to impact the welding companies to make the world a better place and making a big difference within my community. I plan to stay ahead of the courses taken at the community college while being busy with projects that comes with practice and patience. Welding takes careful eye coordination, patience and strength. I just knew I fit in those categories. Making a positive impact gives me the dreams envisioned that I'm going to tell the world that the welding industry needs more people to help when repairs are in need of immediate help. Making a positive impact would mean to me that I would kindly speak to people who need guidance and keep moving forward. By the time I'm finished with school I hope to working in the welding industry that lets me gain work balance and enjoying what life gives during the crazy times ahead. I care about unemployment and income inequality because I've seen so many people working from industry occupations to the next feel burnt out while working on the hamster wheel to make an income that has no benefits of having 401k's, paid time off and guaranteed getting raises for doing a good job at your own work. The income I make is lower than the average American and I don't get any benefits while working part time. For being unemployed during the pandemic impacted my mental health and limit my entertainment experienced hobbies with friends I can't afford to pay and having awful moments where jobs are being hijacked by corporations that don't care about me or any others so to speak providing resources to combat the overworked and burn out. I hope the future is brigther and bolder without making a person to choose to being fired or get poor quality of focus.

I'm an artistically creative artist that it is willing to seek out more opportunities to go into welding that will help impact the world that needs more creative people to pursue talents in the welding industry. I've been told that a couple of my family members were welders and one of them owns a semiautomatic welding shop which inspired me to pursue a new skill. After three months of figuring out how to learn a new skill while working in the spa industry that left me, I had a talk with my dad what I need to do bring my talented hands into a new set that will be a lifetime experience that would greatly impact the world. My dad told me I would try welding to see if it's going to be a good fit for me. He is right. I'm currently in school to pursue a learning experience into the welding trade school at Long Beach City College. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that helps me feel at ease. The introduction class gave me a sense of happiness, joy and struggles along the way into pursuing more classes to learn. Due to my mental disability, I was able to get accommodations from my instructor that is willing to help me achieve my goal while being able to weld and to learn the knowledge of all the codes, techniques and careful learning skills to dip my toes in the water so I don't fall behind in the class. The more I learn, the more interested in learning more. In the now, I see myself making hobbies with the welding skills and also a possible job into the industry to weld parts that need to be repaired. After my dad had his own business doing some welding and semi retired, I knew I have the support I need and he passed along the torch to me not only build my own spa business but to expand into having my own welding business that will count towards a successful career that I'm reliable and a being a person to count on when somebody needs a welder who is skilled and can get the job done. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder. Welding is my dream and I cannot wait to begin my journey regardless of what people say as I know I have my families support and they believe in me.

After being in the massage industry for fifteen plus years, the massage industry started going south in April 2024. I spoke to my dad on how am I going to switch a career path. He said to try a welding class. I thought about it for a week and half since April and I decided to go back to school to learn a trade in welding. I realized I have a passion of working with my hands and it will make a steady impact on how a woman like myself would be skilled to get the job done with patience and beyond. My late grandfather did some welding, my uncle did some welding and own a welding shop. I had no idea the welding trades were coming back to schools until I decided to go back to school to gain the knowledge to be able to be asked on demand for repairs and what work comes my way. It will be interesting that I will be the first woman running in my family to jump start into the welding industry and make the world a better place. Welding may seem scary for me at first. I've been very fascinated with my father's work in the garage for decades and it was time I step up to help other welders to form a team to impact the welding companies to make the world a better place and making a big difference within my community. With this scholarship, it will not only show me the path forward to a new learning opportunity, it will help me succeed in my worth for achieving through effort, determination and perseverance. I plan to stay ahead of the courses taken at the community college while being busy with projects that comes with practice and patience. Welding takes careful eye coordination, patience and strength. I just knew I fit in those categories. Making a positive impact gives me the dreams envisioned that I'm going to tell the world that the welding industry needs more people to help when repairs are in need of immediate help. Making a positive impact would mean to me that I would kindly speak to people who need guidance and keep moving forward. By the time I'm finished with school I hope to working in the welding industry that lets me gain work balance and enjoying what life gives during the crazy times ahead.

When COVID-19 struck during the pandemic, my uncle's kidney starting failing. He went to the hospital to see a doctor. The hospital wait was 12 hours before the doctor can see him and what to do about his kidney. After my uncle was able to see his doctor, he was starting to have symptoms and decided to get a covid test. He came out negative. My uncle was experiencing a shortness of breathe when he got home and my uncle's partner called 911. My uncle went into the ambulance immediately on his way to the hospital. I wasn't allowed to see my uncle in the hospital when he caught covid after seeing a kidney dialysis doctor. I was going insane and thought to myself why is this happening. The doctors didn't have the resources to save my uncle while he was intubated on a hospital bed. My uncle's partner was in the waiting room waiting for the doctor come out and give him the sad difficult news. My Uncle's partner decided to pull the plug. My uncle passed away in the beginning of August due to kidney failure and COVID-19. It hit me close to home and it felt like a thousand cuts to the heart and a part of me felt dead inside my soul. He was a character of having a sense of humor, into traveling and into the arts and studio arts. It shaped me as the person to move forward and recollect myself to plan ahead of my goals while being on lock down. After losing my uncle, I gained resilience to reassure myself that my uncle is with me in spirit and I continued to carry on his traits from learning the arts and crafts he created. I realized my uncle did some welding and mostly photographer. My spirit inside myself told me to keep going and my uncle would say you're going to be okay and continue to carry his spirit of never giving up hope for the future. Losing a person like him way too soon felt he wanted to live to his full potential of seeing me succeed in life of school and what life offered for him. His life was cut short and it gave me a silver lining that he wanted me to succeed. My resilience towards a loss feels like a beginning to an end and with more opportunities to accomplish in the years ahead and impact with pursuing my happiness towards a goal to achieve in the long hall.

Reading from the intro to the scholarship has been very inspiring. After working at a job that I used to love, I had a talk with my dad and he said that I’m very good with my hands and said to look into welding. I love being creative with my hands, and it just became a perfect opportunity to learn any skill that will pay off in the long run. I thought about it for a week and a half and I decided to go back to school to pursue welding. I I realize I have an I realize I have a gift of being creative with my hands and becoming a fast learner. I enjoyed the class on the first day when I came back to school. I'm very eager to start my journey into welding. The welding class gave me dreams and opportunities to figure out my options of what I can specialize in and possibly own my own welding company for the future. I hope to achieve goals of earning a certificate of completion to get into an apprenticeship and eventually land a welding job possibly into aerospace, manufacturing or on a boat. With the scholarship that I’m applying to will hopefully help me pay my student tuition while pursuing education purposes to make a big difference in becoming one of the examples of perseverance, excellence and merit to success. I hope the scholarship will give me a promising perspective achieving what I love to put that into practice in putting an impact on the industry that is looking for more women taking over the welding industry. The scholarship is inspiring to help pay for intuition to helping me succeed within the community college campus and earning the goals of achievement to strive for open doors.