As part of the National Welding Month activities at Hobart Institute during April, current students shared their thoughts in response to the question, "Why do you have a passion for welding?"  Here are a few of the responses:

"I like the technique it takes to produce a quality weld," says Jared Flewelling.

"I have always picked up welding really well," Ronnie Williams states.  "The thought of one day being responsible for a sky scraper or a bridge also is a big part of me learning this trade."

"I take pleasure in welding because, at the end of the day, I can see and touch something made with my own hands," David Benson says.  "Anyone else can look at whatever I've made and appreciate the skill and effort it took to weld it."

Andy McAngus comments, "It's a feeling of pride to strive for the perfect weld and finally achieve your goal."

"You can do so much with welding and create so many things," says James D. Lee.  "Welding will always make things happen.  Your imagination is your only limit with welding."

"I have a passion for welding because, when I was young, I would watch the guys weld on our farm," explains Dustin Schmett.  "No one took the time to teach me until I took high school welding.  After high school, I worked on the farm for a few years and decided to further my knowledge of welding by attending Hobart."

"Welding not only pays well," says Matthew Bierly, "but it gives you the opportunity to travel, meet new people and explore different techniques in the world of welding."

"After serving in Iraq and returning home from the military, I attended a university," Ralph Berry comments. "However, I've always liked to get my hands dirty.  A buddy from grade school enticed me to attend Hobart.  Now I plan on becoming a pipefitter and someday own my own welding shop."

Jordan Brown says, "I've always enjoyed learning from my uncle, father, and grandfather, who are all pipefitters/welders.  Their knowledge of welding and construction is utilized in everyday life for me, not just at the job site."

"Welding is black and white.  When a weld fails," explains Jim Kramer, "there is only one person to blame... yourself.  This gives incentive to strive to be the best welder possible so that [failure] never happens to you."

"I love it that every day is a challenge," says Joey Graham.  "In welding, there is no situation the same, so you have to be flexible in what you are doing."

"Because it is a trade with many different processes and applications where you, the welder, determine how skilled you become through training as to how well you do financially in the trade," says Douglas Sawyer. "But most importantly, it is not work when you enjoy what you are doing."