Making my way to shop class in eighth grade was no struggle. I have always had a thing for dirty, hands on work. Building things and making stuff with my own two hands was the best thing that I could have learned to do. My shop teacher told me that I would eventually make a great tradesman. I just didn't think that it would be that hard for a woman to fit into the manufacturing industry. I had taken quite a few classes on welding and carpentry during my early teen years and became pretty good at both, but it wasn't until I was about twenty years old that I decided that welding was the route for me.

Now I had already had in mind that I was going to go down to the local community college to take a course, but what really had me going was my instructor was unbelievably handsome. I had met him the year prior through a friend that was going to the college. I thought to myself,"Well that would definitely be a bonus, seeing him every day." So I went down and signed up for the following year to begin classes.

Well on the first day I realized that good looks came with an ego. This guy was so into himself and so darn cocky. He stood in front of the class and asked if anyone had ever welded before, and before I could raise my hand he looked at me and said,"Well I know one for sure hasn't." At that point I knew I would have to prove myself to this man. After this little session was over we all went into the shop to see what everyone was able to do. He looked at me and without saying anything I walked over to one of the wire welders, set it up, turned everything on, grabbed two pieces of steel and welded them perfectly together. I put the gun down and walked over to him and said,"I may look like dumb girl, but I guarantee that I am not."

The feeling of proving someone wrong was amazing. Being able to do something that classically only a man is supposed to do was absolutely great. The sure fact that I could do what they could but only better sold me, that and the fact that I was actually really good at welding. So I guess there are a few reasons why I choose welding. What is funny is that if it wasn't for a good looking guy with an ego issue then I would probably never would have went to school. I now work in the aerospace industry and I make pretty good money. I am glad that there are egotistical men out there because without them I wouldn't be where I am today.

Learn more about this author, Samantha Williams.
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