I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduating from high school. Nothing in my normal school classes motivated or excited me, and I was struggling in school with failing grades. Things changed when I took the Exploring Ecology Through Metal course with IDEA and learned how to weld. I am so proud of the final sculpture that our class made together and that it will be on display in my hometown forever. After finishing the weekend class I instantly knew that I wanted to become a welder. But, the only way I could qualify for the welding/technology program offered at the local career tech center was to raise my grades. I became driven, highly motivated, and was able to get my grades up before completing my sophomore year. I am now a Junior and enrolled in the AME (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering) Class at Finger Lakes Technical Career Center where I’m learning welding, CAD, and machining.