People Over Paper: The Real Source of Learning

Education isn’t a diploma; it’s the people who teach you how to do the work right. From a backyard shop to college labs and AWS meetings, the mentors I’ve met over time have taught me more than techniques. They’ve taught judgment, pride, and how to keep learning. This article traces the lessons and leaders that made me a better welder, teacher, and member of our community.

My first teacher was my father. He ran a shop and expected my best work. As a kid, I thought I was doing chores; in reality, I was learnin..