Crafting a Life That Matters My name is Steven, and I’m a student preparing to enter Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, Virginia to pursue a career in welding. What drew me to this path isn’t just the fire, sparks, or steel—it’s the pride of building something that lasts, the satisfaction of seeing hard work take shape in the real world. Like David Hinsdale, I believe in showing up, working hard, and helping others along the way. The past few years have challenged me in ways I never expected. I lost both my grandfather and my father—two of the most important men in my life. My grandfather passed away just three weeks before I made the decision to pursue trade school. He was the kind of man who could fix anything and took pride in every project, whether it was plumbing, carpentry, or electrical work. He taught me the value of working with your hands, of figuring things out, and never leaving a job halfway done. My dad, Dan “Uniball” Lansing, was a welder for most of his life. He was a fighter—surviving cancer, overcoming paralysis, and undergoing multiple joint replacements. Despite the physical pain, he stayed focused on the work and his family. He believed in second chances and always extended a helping hand to people who needed it. Like David Hinsdale, my dad believed that if someone was willing to put in the effort, they deserved a shot. That belief stuck with me. I want to follow in those footsteps. I’m not chasing a trade just for a paycheck—I want a life of purpose. Welding gives me the chance to create things with strength, integrity, and precision. More importantly, it’s a way for me to build a future where I can also uplift others. My long-term goal is to become a certified structural or pipeline welder, and eventually run my own welding business. But beyond just business, I want to create opportunities for people who’ve been overlooked—young people who didn’t thrive in traditional school settings or who feel like they don’t have a direction. I’ve been there. I know what it feels like to be full of potential but not know where to start. Through mentorship and on-the-job training, I hope to give others a path forward—just like David gave people when he ran his own company. I want to be known for my work ethic, my loyalty, and my heart. I want to be the guy who shows up, gets the job done right, and makes the people around him better. That’s how I plan to make a difference—in my work, in my community, and in the legacy I leave behind. This scholarship would be a step toward that future, and I would be honored to carry on the spirit of David Hinsdale’s dedication, generosity, and craftsmanship. Thank you for your consideration.

Lighting the Torch When I think about welding, I think about legacy—what we build, what we fix, and what we leave behind. My name is Steven, and my journey into welding is deeply personal. It started with the hands of the men who raised me—calloused, grease-stained, and always in motion. My grandfather was the first to inspire me. He could fix just about anything, and his workshop was a place of both magic and precision. I spent countless hours by his side, learning to respect the tools, the craft, and the quiet satisfaction of working with my hands. Just a few weeks before I made the decision to apply for trade school, my grandfather passed away. I was there, holding his hand. That moment marked the end of his journey and the beginning of mine. I carry his last name, and I want to carry on his legacy through my work. Around the same time, I also lost my father, Dan, to complications related to COVID. He was a welder for much of his life and an incredible example of resilience. My dad survived cancer, paralysis, and five joint replacements—never losing hope, never giving up. He was known by friends and family as “Uniball,” a nickname he wore with pride after his battle with cancer. Despite everything, he still found joy in his work, and always encouraged me to do something meaningful with my life. When he passed, I lost a piece of my foundation—but I also found clarity. I knew I wanted to be part of a trade that mattered. Welding speaks to me because it’s not just a skill—it’s a way of life. It’s structure. It’s strength. It’s the invisible bond that holds so much of our world together. I want to pursue a career in welding not only because I’m passionate about the trade, but also because I want to be part of something that endures. I want to build things that last. I’m currently pursuing entrance into a welding program at Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, Virginia. My goal is to become certified and eventually work in structural or pipeline welding. Long-term, I hope to start a small business where I can teach others—especially young men and women who feel lost or overlooked—that they can find their way, just like I did. I relate deeply to Kevin’s story. Like him, I didn’t always have the highest grades. Life threw some hard lessons my way early on. But I’ve learned that passion, purpose, and persistence matter more than perfection. The first time I put on a welding helmet and struck an arc, I felt that same spark Kevin must have felt—that bright light of pride, of possibility. This scholarship would not only help me afford tuition and supplies—it would help me honor the legacies of the people I’ve lost, and fuel the future I’m determined to build. Thank you for considering me.

Honoring a Legacy Through the Trades What are your career goals within the trades, what inspired you to pursue this path, and how do you hope to give back to others in the future? Three weeks before I decided to pursue welding, I held my grandfather’s hand as he passed away. In that moment, I promised myself I’d carry his legacy forward. He was a quiet but proud man who believed in doing things the right way — not the easy way — and taught me that there’s dignity in working with your hands. He’s the reason I’ve chosen to pursue welding and commit myself to a life of skilled labor, service, and steady progress. My grandfather introduced me to welding when I was younger. I remember being mesmerized by the bright arcs of light and the quiet intensity it took to bring metal to life. He showed me that craftsmanship wasn’t just about building things — it was about building character. After he passed, I knew I needed to get serious about my future. That’s when I applied to Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, Virginia, to become a certified welder. My career goal is to master the welding trade and eventually start my own fabrication business. I want to gain hands-on experience in structural and custom welding, while also earning the certifications I need to grow. But more than just working for myself, I hope to use my business to create opportunities for others — especially young people from underserved communities who may not have access to college or clear career paths. I want to give them the tools, training, and mentorship to build a future with their own hands. I come from a low-income background and have faced many obstacles, including student loan debt from a previous attempt at college. I’ve worked multiple jobs to support myself and helped care for my grandfather during his final months. These responsibilities taught me discipline, empathy, and a deep respect for hard work — values I know are essential in the trades. Community service has always mattered to me. I’ve helped with food drives, assisted neighbors in need, and supported local veterans. I believe that true success isn’t just about what you build — it’s about who you lift up along the way. Like Henry Ritter, I believe in servant leadership. That means using the skills I gain in this trade not just to better my life, but to serve others and strengthen my community. This scholarship would help me continue my education and fulfill the promise I made to my grandfather. I want to live a life that honors him — and that reflects the same humility, work ethic, and generosity that Henry and Cornelia Ritter lived by. Through welding, I hope to build a future that creates not just strong structures, but strong people and stronger communities.

Welding Through Loss, Building Through Purpose My name is Steven, and I’m pursuing welding at Tidewater Tech because it’s more than just a career to me—it’s a legacy. In the past few weeks, I’ve experienced life-changing loss. My grandfather, the man who first inspired my love for working with my hands, passed away. I was by his side in his final months and held his hand as he took his last breath. That moment changed me. It gave me a sense of purpose I’ve never felt before. Now, every time I strike an arc or learn a new skill, I’m honoring his memory and the last name we share. I want to carry forward his spirit through every weld I make. Welding offers me the kind of work that’s grounded in truth—if your weld is bad, it won’t hold. That honesty, that need for precision and pride, speaks to me. My grandfather lived that way. So did my father before he passed. He was a hardworking man, and though I made some missteps in life and let time get away from me, I’m finally walking the path I believe I was meant for. A path that allows me to build a future for myself and give back to the people and places that shaped me—especially my hometown of El Paso, Texas. After completing my welding program, I plan to become certified, gain real-world experience, and eventually use my skills to help rebuild underserved areas in El Paso. I dream of constructing safe and beautiful playgrounds, fixing basketball courts, and restoring pride to neighborhoods that have been overlooked. I don’t just want to weld metal—I want to weld hope into the places that need it most. Long-term, I hope to mentor other young men who, like me, may have lost their way for a time but are looking for something to believe in again. I’ve known adversity. I’ve battled with depression, let my health and energy slip away, and carried the weight of old student debt and personal regret. But deciding to return to school for welding was my turning point. I chose to stop surviving and start rebuilding. Losing my grandfather three weeks ago tested everything I thought I had finally found in myself—but it also strengthened my commitment. Instead of crumbling, I made a promise to him in those final moments: I will make him proud. The story of Dan “Uniball” Lansing moved me deeply. Like him, my grandfather had every reason to give up—but he didn’t. He kept going, working with his hands, raising his family, and pouring everything he had into others. I want to follow that same example, not just by becoming a welder, but by being the kind of person who turns pain into purpose, and loss into legacy. This scholarship would not only ease the financial stress of returning to school—it would remind me that even in grief, I’m not alone. That others believe in the power of skilled trades, in the honor of blue-collar work, and in the strength of second chances.

Welding a Future With Purpose and Pride My name is Steven, and I’m pursuing a career in welding because I believe in building things that last—both for myself and for the people around me. Like many others who take up the trades, my path wasn’t always straight. Life threw its punches. I made mistakes, got off track, and let time slip away. But I never lost the desire to do something meaningful with my hands and to live a life I can be proud of. Today, I’m ready to earn my way forward through skill, grit, and hard work. I chose welding because I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating something real and solid—something that can’t be deleted, swiped away, or forgotten. Welding is about joining pieces together to make something stronger. In a way, that’s what I’m doing with my own life: taking the broken pieces and rebuilding a stronger version of myself, one day at a time. What motivates me most is the opportunity to use welding not only as a profession, but as a way to help others. I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, a city full of hardworking people, but like many places, there are parts of it that have been forgotten. I want to use my trade to give back—to build new playgrounds, repair schools and parks, and create safe places for kids in low-income neighborhoods. One day, I hope to lead community projects that bring people together and show that tradesmen can be leaders, role models, and builders of more than just metal. I’ve come to understand that the trades are not a “backup plan.” They’re a calling. They demand focus, discipline, and pride in doing things right. That kind of work ethic is something I’m striving to embody every day. I’m not just interested in a paycheck—I want mastery. I want to be the guy you call when the job matters. I want my welds to be clean, my attitude solid, and my reputation strong. Trade school will give me the foundation I need to get there. I’ve enrolled at Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, Virginia, and I’m working hard to overcome the financial setbacks of my past, including student loan debt from a previous college attempt. This time, I’m more focused, more committed, and more sure of my path than ever before. Receiving the Brattican Scholarship would help ease the financial burden and allow me to fully concentrate on learning, growing, and becoming the best welder I can be. But more than that, it would mean being recognized for taking ownership of my future—and that’s something I would carry with pride. Blue collar work built this country, and I’m proud to be part of the next generation that’s keeping it standing. Welding is how I plan to build a life of purpose for my family—not just for myself, but for everyone I can reach through my hands, my heart, and my hard-earned skill.

Welding with G.R.I.T.: Rebuilding More Than Metal My name is Steven, and I’m currently preparing to attend Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, Virginia, to study welding. But my journey began long before trade school. Over the past few years, I’ve experienced what it’s like to lose direction—and what it takes to fight your way back. Today, I’m not just pursuing a career in the trades. I’m pursuing a chance to rebuild my life and use what I’ve learned to give back to others. The values of generosity, respect, innovation, and teamwork—what SupplyHouse calls G.R.I.T.—aren’t just ideals I admire. They’re principles I live by and plan to bring with me every step of the way. Generosity is at the core of why I chose welding. I want to become great at my trade not just for financial stability, but so I can return to my hometown of El Paso, Texas, and invest in the neighborhoods that raised me. I’ve seen too many parks fall apart, too many courts go unused because of neglect, and too many kids without a safe place to play. One day, I want to use my skills to build basketball courts, playgrounds, and community spaces in low-income areas. Giving back isn’t just a goal—it’s my purpose. I show respect by approaching the trades with humility and appreciation. I’ve worked jobs where people take pride in doing things right, even if no one is watching. That’s what welding is about: precision, patience, and pride in your work. I respect those who came before me—craftsmen like Richard Matthews and Calvin Donelson, whose legacies I’ve learned about through scholarship opportunities like this—and I hope to honor their examples by being a student of the trade who never stops learning. Innovation, to me, means thinking differently about what welding can do. Yes, it’s about joining metal—but it’s also about joining people and possibilities. I see welding not only as a job but as a tool to fix what’s broken, both physically and socially. I want to help build structures that empower people—mobile food stands for small businesses, repair trailers for community outreach, or outdoor fitness zones for neighborhoods that don’t have gyms. I believe welding can be a force for creative change. Lastly, I embrace teamwork every day. I haven’t gotten here alone. Family, mentors, and even difficult experiences have helped shape me. In trade school, I plan to collaborate, help others when I can, and ask for help when I need it. Teamwork also means holding myself accountable—showing up early, staying focused, and making sure my work supports the success of the crew. Because in welding, if one person cuts corners, everyone’s safety is at risk. Receiving this scholarship would help me invest in my education without being held back by old debt. More importantly, it would give me the chance to keep living out G.R.I.T.—to build my career, my community, and a future I can be proud of. Above all else I want to create a legacy for my kin and generations to come. Similar to my grandfather who passed a few weeks ago. He was a welder and a tradesman. I believe it to be in my blood, in my nature to be where I am today. Not by chance, but by design. I am creating a pathway, no longer walking beaten roads.

Building a Better Future—One Weld at a Time My name is Steven, and I’m currently preparing to begin trade school at Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, Virginia, with the goal of becoming a skilled welder. While I now live in Virginia, I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas—a city that shaped me, tested me, and continues to inspire my future. Welding isn’t just a career path for me. It’s a way to create real change, both for myself and for the community I come from. I wasn’t always on the path I am today. Like many others, I made mistakes, lost momentum, and let time pass without direction. But through that, I gained something deeper than regret—I found purpose. I realized that I wanted more than just a job. I wanted a craft I could take pride in, something I could master and use to give back. Welding checked all those boxes. It’s a field built on precision, resilience, and respect—qualities I now strive to live by every day. What draws me to welding isn’t just the job security or the potential for growth—it’s the fact that welding literally builds the world around us. Bridges, buildings, schools, parks—all of these are shaped by welders, often behind the scenes. When I become great at welding, I don’t want to just work on big projects that turn a profit—I want to turn my skills back toward El Paso and invest in the neighborhoods that raised me. I’ve seen how low-income communities are often left behind when it comes to resources, safety, and opportunity. But I also know the power of public spaces to lift people up. That’s why I dream of one day helping rebuild neglected areas of my city—constructing safe playgrounds for kids, outdoor gyms, basketball courts, and even community centers where people can come together. I want to use welding as a tool to create real, tangible improvements that my neighbors, family, and future generations can enjoy. To master welding, I’m approaching it with the same mindset I bring to rebuilding my life—discipline, consistency, and humility. I’m currently tackling old student debt, improving my health, and surrounding myself with people who support my growth. I know that true mastery takes time and repetition, but I’m committed to learning from the best, staying curious, and always looking for ways to sharpen my skills. The legacy of Richard Matthews, a master welder whose work left a mark, is something I deeply respect. This scholarship would help me follow in his footsteps—not just by excelling in the trade, but by using it to help others. If I’m awarded this opportunity, I will carry it with pride and purpose, knowing that every weld I make could be a step toward a better life for someone else. Welding is more than a job to me—it’s a way to build hope, one spark at a time.

Turning Passion Into Purpose Through the Trades When I look at where I am today and where I want to go, I think of two things: the weight of mistakes I’ve made, and the strength I’ve gained by deciding not to let them define me. My name is Steven, I’m 26 years old, and I’m preparing to return to school at Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, Virginia, to pursue a trade in welding. It’s been seven years since I last attended college. In that time, life humbled me—but it also gave me the chance to rediscover what matters most. Growing up, I was active and athletic, with big dreams of building something for myself. Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of those goals. I gained weight, I lost discipline, and I found myself feeling tired and unmotivated—physically, mentally, and spiritually. But recently, I made a choice: to take accountability for my life and rebuild from the ground up. Part of that decision meant returning to school and learning a skilled trade that could support me, challenge me, and ultimately, become my career. I’ve chosen welding not only because it offers stability, but because it allows me to work with my hands and create something real—something that lasts. The more I’ve learned about it, the more I’ve come to respect its precision, its power, and its artistry. Like Calvin C. Donelson, whose legacy this scholarship honors, I’ve come to believe that true mastery is about integrity, creativity, and effort. If I can envision it, I can build it. That’s the kind of life I want. While I never had the honor of knowing Calvin personally, reading about his life moved me deeply. He reminds me of the men I looked up to growing up—the ones who believed in hard work and excellence, not for applause, but because it was the right thing to do. Calvin’s dual passion for carpentry and barbering shows that you don’t have to choose between creativity and craftsmanship; you can embody both. His belief in the power of trades mirrors what I’ve come to understand firsthand: that working with your hands can be just as dignified and prosperous as any other path. Financially, I’m in need. I have $5,000 in student loan debt from a previous attempt at college, and I’m doing everything I can to avoid taking on more. I’ve applied for FAFSA, and I’m working on rebuilding my credit and my health. I’m not looking for a handout—I’m looking for a chance. A chance to prove that I can take what I’ve learned, what I’ve survived, and turn it into something solid. Receiving this scholarship wouldn’t just help me afford school—it would affirm that people like me, who take the long road back, still deserve to dream bold and build something better. I’m committed to becoming a skilled tradesman with integrity and purpose, and I would be proud to carry forward the legacy of someone like Calvin C. Donelson.

The first time I saw a welding torch in action, I was twelve years old, standing beside my uncle’s old truck. The frame was rusted and cracked, and he was doing what he could to patch it up. Sparks lit up the garage like fireworks, and I remember being in total awe. It was like watching someone bring broken things back to life. In that moment, I knew I wanted to be someone who worked with his hands—someone who builds, repairs, and creates.” But for a long time, I didn’t have the path or the push to make that dream real. I came from a background where education wasn’t always accessible, and financial support wasn’t there. After high school, I went to college briefly, but without guidance, support, or a clear goal, I dropped out. Since then, I’ve worked jobs that paid the bills but didn’t fuel any real passion. Over time, I lost touch with my physical health, gained weight, and even struggled mentally with depression and a lack of purpose. Recently, something changed. I reached a point where I knew I couldn’t keep going the way I was. I decided to take control of my life again—to rebuild myself from the inside out. Part of that journey was getting back to the dream I never let go of: welding. I started researching programs and found Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, Virginia. I’ve met with financial aid advisors, submitted my FAFSA, and have begun preparing for the program. I’m fully committed to earning my welding certification and finally stepping into a career I can take pride in. I’ve already borrowed nearly $19,000 for school, and I still have about $5,000 in old student loan debt from my earlier college experience. While I’m determined to push through no matter what, receiving the John Dowling Odom Welding Scholarship would relieve a huge financial burden. It would allow me to focus completely on my training, sharpen my skills, and get to work in the field as soon as possible. This scholarship also means something deeper to me. John Dowling Odom’s story reminds me of my own—someone brilliant who didn’t get the breaks early on, but who never gave up. That kind of legacy speaks to me. Like him, I want to rise above my circumstances, learn a valuable trade, and build a better life—not just for myself, but for the people I hope to support in the future. Welding isn’t just a job to me. It’s a way forward. A way to use my hands and heart to create something lasting. I hope to eventually work on large-scale projects, travel, and one day maybe even own my own shop. I want to give back, mentor others, and show that even if you’ve stumbled, it’s never too late to rise. This scholarship would be more than financial help—it would be proof that someone believes in me. And I promise, I won’t waste that chance.

From Steel-Toed Boots to Second Chances: My Journey to Welding School I’ll never forget the moment I realized I needed to make a serious change. I was sitting in my car after a long shift at a job I didn’t love, mentally and physically exhausted, when I looked across the street and saw sparks flying from a welding rig. The men working were focused, confident, and skilled. They reminded me of who I used to be—strong, active, and proud of what I did. That moment sparked something in me. It made me realize I didn’t want to keep living on autopilot. I wanted a second chance to build something better—with my hands and with my life. That’s what led me to Tidewater Tech and the welding program that I hope will launch my new beginning. Seven years ago, I went to college straight out of high school. Like many young adults, I wasn’t fully ready. I didn’t finish, and the weight of unpaid student loans—about $5,000—has followed me ever since. Since then, I’ve taken whatever jobs I could to survive, but none gave me purpose. Over time, I lost my sense of direction. I became overweight, tired, and deeply unhappy. But I never lost my drive. I’ve always had it in me—I just needed the right path to walk on. Now, I’m walking it. I’ve decided to take control of my life. I’m back in school, studying welding, a field where I can use my physicality, attention to detail, and work ethic to create something tangible. I’ve returned to fitness with a calisthenics routine to get healthy again, both for my body and my mind. Most importantly, I’ve learned to ask for help—whether that’s through financial aid, scholarships, or support from others who believe in hard work and fresh starts. This scholarship would help me not just stay in school but stay focused. I’ve already borrowed $19,000 and I’m doing everything I can to avoid taking on more debt. Financial support would mean I can dedicate myself fully to learning the trade, excelling in the program, and preparing for a stable, well-paying career. I want to work in shipyards, construction sites, anywhere that steel needs shaping and strength is needed. Welding isn’t just a job to me—it’s my future. It’s my way out and my way up. I’m not asking for a handout. I’m asking for a chance—and I promise, I won’t waste it.