This opportunity gives me the chance to inspire students, encouraging them to excel across all facets of life. Teaching provides me with a profound sense of purpose, enabling me to balance precious time with my family. I educate students on welding, demonstrating how these skills can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle they can aspire to achieve. Each day, I am dedicated to driving my students towards success, fostering their growth and confidence as they strive to realize their dreams and potential.

Seeing one of my hardest working students win gold at the Kansas State Welding Sculpture competition for SkillsUSA. Being there to see her on that stage, tears of joy in her eyes and receiving the gold medal. Then, being able to go to the national competitions in Atlanta Georgia was an amazing and transformative experience for everyone who was able to go. Definitely one of the proudest moments I’ve had as a teacher. Being able to see my student accomplish something like that is a huge motivator.

My wife and I are in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, and have learned how we can move forward and support our family, as well as providing mentorship to welding students. Our plan is to aggressively save money to start a welding business on the side, without debt. My plan is to be able to employ one of my graduated students each year to give them extra real world experience in the welding industry and continue mentoring students in the trade of welding technology.