17
November
2021
|
09:04 AM
America/Chicago

Working For A Better Future

Student of the Week: Gustavo Esparza

 "Just try your best. Everything will be ok, and just continue. I don't ever want to give up, and you shouldn't want to either."
STC Student of the Week Gustavo Esparza

Being deaf from a young age has not stopped Gustavo Esparza from pursuing a degree at South Texas College.

Recognized by his instructors for his persistence and tenacity while pursuing his Combination Welding Certificate, Gustavo now looks ahead to graduating this December.

“I became so interested when it came to piping, how it’s manufactured and cut, and as welders we always have to have interest in what we do,” Gustavo said via interpreter. “I wanted to have a better future for myself.”

The Welding Technology Program prepares students for entry level positions by teaching the four processes: Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding.

Students gain knowledge in lay-out and fabrication as well as blueprint reading, safety and metallurgy. Graduate candidates are eligible to take a welding performance qualification test in accordance with American Welding Society (AWS) standards, as used in industry.

Now set to graduate, Gustavo plans to begin a career specializing in Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding and hopes to continue his education with more certifications and safety.

“One year ago, I was doing TIG, and I almost gave up on it, but my instructor helped me and helped me learn more about the skill and what I needed to improve,” Gustavo said. “When it came down to test on it, I felt like I was ready but I almost destroyed the metal piece and I became discouraged…it took me almost a year but two weeks ago I finally passed the test and became certified and it encouraged me to continue with welding.”

Gustavo says he can relate to students who need to overcome challenges more than the typical student. It is these challenges however that will set the pace for how he will face these obstacles in the working world.

 "Just try your best. Everything will be ok, and just continue,” Gustavo said. “I don't ever want to give up, and you shouldn't want to either."