. Hey, my name is Jeffondre Cuffee, and I am 24 years old. I was recently released from prison after serving a 5-year sentence. During my time incarcerated, I took the opportunity to reflect on my life and developed a plan to change it. This led me to pursue a career in welding, a path I had never considered before but now see as a way to build a new future. I grew up in a rough area of Norfolk, where many people don’t make it out of the situations we face. I’m grateful for my second chance at life and determined to make the most of it. After my release, I enrolled at Tidewater Tech to start my welding career. It’s a reminder to me that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. You have to believe in yourself if you want to achieve success. Looking ahead, I see myself becoming a welding instructor within the next 3-5 years. I want to teach the trade, but also offer life advice, because you never know what struggles someone else might be going through. My goal is to inspire others to keep going, no matter the obstacles. I aim to become a welding instructor. Beyond teaching the trade, I want to offer life advice, recognizing that everyone faces their own struggles. My goal is to inspire others to persevere and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. I believe sharing knowledge and encouragement can make a significant impact. Thank you