From High School Shop Class to Career Confidence: One Girl’s Journey

Confidence is something that has to be built from within. No one else can hand it to you - but the right people, opportunities, and environments can help you discover it. Nearly half of young women report lacking confidence during adolescence, often because of social pressure and circumstances.

I was absolutely one of them.

For years, I struggled with self-doubt. It took time, growth, and support to reach a place where I now feel confident - not only in who I am, but in the choices I make about my life and career.

Finding Confidence in Unexpected Places

In my junior year of high school, I enrolled in a sculpture class. I had no idea that a room full of clay and creativity would be the first place I felt even a glimpse of confidence. My teacher encouraged me, guided me, and helped me see what it felt like to trust myself - even if just for a moment.

Then I moved back to my hometown, and the class wasn’t offered there.

The Class That Changed Everything

While choosing electives for my senior year, a friend suggested welding. Two class periods of something hands-on and totally new sounded exciting.

But my vice principal tried to talk me out of it - even though it was a college-credit course. She said I was “too smart” for welding.

Instead of feeling flattered, I felt discouraged - like there were places I didn’t belong, and things I shouldn’t try. After some back-and-forth, she finally approved it.

Walking into that welding shop changed everything.

I was the only girl in the class. Everyone else already knew what they were doing. I was starting from scratch - nervous, but determined.

Somewhere between striking arcs, learning technique, and realizing I could master something new, a seed of confidence began to grow. I started to imagine what my future could look like beyond high school - and it felt possible.

My teacher helped foster that belief. He encouraged teamwork, signed us up for competitions, and never once made me feel like I didn’t belong.

Windows of Opportunity

We built a trailer for the Medina County Junior Livestock Show and the San Antonio Stock Show. That experience helped me hold my head higher.

Later, a recruiter from Tulsa Welding School visited our class. I had been unsure about my future - but after that conversation, I knew welding was my path.

I shook my principal’s hand at graduation knowing I was stepping into something real.

Hands On

When I started at Tulsa Welding School, I meant business. I’d moved four hours from home, given up my summer, and invested into my education - there was no way it would go to waste.

I soaked up everything my instructors taught me. When I finished my projects early, they let me help classmates who were still learning. That was when my confidence really began to take root.

I knew I had what it took.

New Growth

Toward the end of school, Hurricane Harvey hit. I moved to Beaumont with my daughter’s father and helped my mother-in-law in her painting business. People needed help - and I wanted to learn.

She became one of the best mentors I’ve ever had. She taught me skills, shared her experiences as a woman in the trades, and gave advice I still carry with me. I’ll never regret that time. By the time I left, new growth was already showing.

A Change of Seasons

The first job I applied to hired me. Over two and a half years, I grew into several roles and gained confidence in every direction.

When I became pregnant, I feared I’d lose my job - but instead, I was supported. That reassurance showed me that my hard work mattered. Eventually, I moved back to San Antonio to be closer to family.

Full Bloom

I worked part-time late in my pregnancy, then stayed home with my daughter for her first year. When it was time to return to work, doubts crept in again - but I applied where I’d always imagined myself working.

They needed a TIG welder. I’ve now been there for over two years, learning more than I ever imagined. My bosses trust me with responsibilities that challenge me and build my confidence even further.

Those doubts? Gone. I feel like I’m finally in full bloom.

The other day, my daughter looked at me and said:

“Mom, you’re my superhero.”

At that moment, everything came full circle.

I am capable.