In this episode, you'll hear from Nghĩa "Justin" Bùi, a 13th Year Promise Scholar and a recent first-generation college graduate from South Seattle College where he majored in Welding. Because of his low grades in high school, Justin didn't feel ready to go to college. He worked a full-time job for a year to provide for his family. His mom's comment, "So you're not going to school, huh?" and his aunt who has always been "there to support me in what I want to do" motivated him to pursue higher education. He experimented with the Welding program at his college, and he loved it! Justin shares how he was required to take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, despite his fluency in English and Vietnamese. However, the continued support from his professors and friends kept him going. Welding can be dangerous, and it's like "learning how to write for the first time." But that didn't stop Justin, who only became better with practice. He even helped out those new in this field. During his college journey, he was also recognized on the Dean's List. His dream job is to work as a journeyman (a certified apprentice) like his professor. His home is in the presence of his family, whether it's in the hot weather of Arizona or in the ice-covered Antarctica. 

Additional resources: 

13th Year Promise Scholarship: https://southseattle.edu/seattle-promise

Welding Fabrication Technology: https://southseattle.edu/programs/welding