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Brandon Kolic

535

Bold Points

4x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I aspire to be a welder! I have such a passion for skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical, and so on. A little about me: I have dyslexia, I am third biological child of seven (four being adopted), I love raising chickens and sheep, I am ambidextrous, and am a geek at heart. After high-school my plan is to go to a two year college for a A.A.S. in Welding, then work somewhere in Texas, my home state.

Education

Vernon College

Associate's degree program
2024 - 2026

Seymour H S

High School
2021 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Associate's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Construction Trades, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Welding

    • Dream career goals:

    • Cashier/Inventory

      United Supermarket
      2023 – Present1 year

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Carter BloodCare — Blood Donor (O+)
      2021 – Present
    • Volunteering

      H Electric — Hand
      2021 – 2023
    John Dowling Odom Welding Scholarship
    Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died from a fentanyl overdose. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. Welding is my dream and I cannot wait to begin my journey regardless of what people say as I know I have my family's support and they believe in me.
    Joe Ford Trade Scholarship
    I aspire to be a welder! After graduation I am pursuing an Associates in Applied Science in Welding at Vernon College. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed" because of my dyslexia, it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. The science behind welding is fascinating too as there are multiple approaches and techniques that could be used for different results. In my junior year of high school my welding class was presented with a project that will be placed in the FFA stockshow competition. I made a rocket stove; it was challenging being my first major independent project but the opportunity allowed me freedom in creativity, the chance to learn how to design and read blueprints, and feed into my love of welding. Since then, my numbers of projects have grown. I have made multiple table frames, constructed fences and gates, welded hinges on barns, and the list goes on. I think my mom wishes my scrap yard corner would disappear sometimes! With senior year coming to an end it is a bittersweet feeling. I graduate next Friday, May 17th. At this moment I have been accepted into the welding program at Vernon College for the upcoming fall semester. Registration for classes does not open until the end of this month, but I have an appointment with my advisor to set up my class schedule. I have also filed for FAFSA as well and am waiting for it to be approved. At the moment I work at my local grocery store so I can afford tuition and gas because I will have to commute daily to Wichita Falls. I do have a few potential employers lined up through personal connections, but I want to get a welding job because I earned it. I applaud those who have connections, however there is a great feeling of accomplishment when you achieve something on your own and not because of who you know or are related to. A little back story: Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. So with that being said if an adult in my life were to be called as a reference I’d like to think any of my teachers would recommend me for this scholarship. More specifically my welding teacher, Mr. Brown, or my math teacher, Mrs. B. My teachers did not know much about the events that were currently going on in my life, and they were the ones who believed in me the most. I could be my introverted self with no judgment yet they were my biggest cheerleaders by encouraging me to attend events or go the extra mile. If someone were to ask about me, my teachers would say I’m easy going, willing to lend a hand, and someone who resolves conflict well.
    Sammy Ochoa Memorial Scholarship
    Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. Welding is my dream and I cannot wait to begin my journey regardless of what people say as I know I have my family's support and they believe in me.
    Koehler Family Trades and Engineering Scholarship
    Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. 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.
    Trades Make the World Go 'Round
    Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. 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.
    John Geremia Memorial Trades Scholarship
    Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood. I didn't learn I had dyslexia until fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". Everyday showing up to school I'd put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to higher standards of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. Back in 2021, my parents moved our family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I didn't know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died from Fentanyl. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. 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.
    Uniball's Skilled Trades Scholarship
    Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. 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.
    Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship
    Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. 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 so I know I will be successful.
    Bald Eagle Scholarship
    Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I learned anything I learned from my own experiences, and I am responsible for my own journey. I am my own influence. I love my siblings, but sometimes I wish the focus was on me as selfish as that sounds. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. 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.
    Valentine Scholarship
    Back in 2021, after COVID started, my family moved from the big city to a small rural town. It was a drastic change for me as I used to have everything at my fingertips, and now I have to drive 45-minutes to get to the nearest Walmart. I found that the community of Seymour is very cultured, yet separated. Every has their own clique leaving me feeling like an outsider in my own town even three years later. I want to be able to help the community to the best of my ability, especially the elderly. With the town being so small people are so busy in their own lives and forget about the less fortunate. There is a Meals on Wheels in town that supplies meal to the elderly but are only able to afford supplying one meal a day due to the lack of funding. We host drives at school in which I donate non-perishable cans and I donate whatever money I can afford at that time. However, there are not many opportunities that are brought to light. Some ways I like to help the community is to do landscaping for people who cannot afford lawn care supplies, and to help weld fences or other projects. I typically never ask for anything in return with the exception of a water if I rarely forget mine. I may not have ten-years experience working on the trades, but I do put my best foot forward. Another way I like to help others is driving people to Wichita Falls; there are many older people in my town that are unable to drive long distances so if they ever need help getting to an appointment that is 45-minutes away I will always offer my time because no one ever wants to be left to dry. I used to drive this older gentleman to a few of his appointments and would drop off food to his apartment. He had cancer, but became one of my closest friends which was nice being in such a small town. A few months later he had passed. It was devastating, but at least I was there to help him during his hardest times and he left an impact on me. If it wasn't for him I would have never learned which biscuit recipe is the best, and how to line a fishing pole. Mr. Bowman will always be one of my favorite people with the most personality and influence. Other ways I could help my community is volunteer my time at Meals on Wheels prepping and serving meals, I could do other hard-labor services such as tending to livestock, and create clubs that are centered on volunteering. It gets difficult to help other when they never ask, but if I were to advertise my services then I think people would be more inclined to ask.
    Weld Our Soul Scholarship
    Winner
    Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. 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.
    John Dowling Odom Welding Scholarship
    Words always looked funny to me and I was always misunderstood, even in my own family. I did not learn I had dyslexia until the fifth grade in which I was already considered "developmentally delayed". I never liked that label. Everyday when I showed up to school I would put my best foot forward, but my grades never reflected my goals. I set myself up to the higher standard of what I could accomplish being the typical A/B Honor Roll student. I knew I could never achieve straight A's, but I sure did try my best! Back in 2021, after COVID started, my parents decided to move the family from the big city to a small rural town. I was in my Freshman year and it was terrifying to make that adjustment because I did not know anybody. School became even more difficult as I was constantly bullied for my weight and how introverted I was. They called me names, yet they did not know a single thing about me. A month living in Seymour felt like a thousand years, then my aunt died. My parents took in her three kids - making the family count go from 6 to 9. My dad still lives in Arlington because of the family business so I frequently have to step into the older brother role by taking care of my siblings as my mom attends to the littles (the youngest has cerebral palsy, the middle has autism, and the oldest has ADHD) by taking them to their medication evaluations and therapy appointments. Welding became my safe space and passion as it is the one thing I understand that I can also emotionally escape into. I feel confident in myself when I read or make blueprints for a project, and get excited putting on my helmet to see what I can do. I am not labeled "developmentally delayed", it is acceptable to be an introvert, and I get to make a name for myself based on my work. Last year I made a rocket stove for the local stockshow; it was the first time one of my family members came to one of my events and they were beyond proud of me. It made me feel like a success for once and not compared to the other kids. Welding allows me to be me. If I were to get a scholarship, it would help me achieve my dreams of being a welder, but also help with the financial burden of how expensive college is. Both of my older sisters went to college in which I learned a thing or two from them on what not to do! I go to work at least five days out of the week after school, sometimes seven, however I go to work to put money aside to accomplish my dreams. I am putting myself through college, and the only financial assistance I am receiving is from FAFSA. My parents are kind enough to let me take a loan out of their name if needed, but I know they need the money more than me for the three younger kids for the medications and appointments. 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.