Page 6 - HIWT Spring 2018 World of Welding

Cover Story - Shea Allison Fraser

Where are you from: Why did you choose HIWT?
Marysville, Ohio I chose Hobart Institute of Welding Technology because I realized
Age: 27 quickly after researching and talking to many people that Hobart
Institute, was not only one of the best welding schools in the
What made you think about world, but it was a school that catered to the needs of not
getting into welding? only experienced but beginner trades workers. The education I
My passion for welding have received so far is by worth its weight in gold and I would
began when my obsession for recommend Hobart Institute to all welders looking to further their
motorcycles went from a love of knowledge in the ever-expanding field of welding.
just riding them, to a passion to
learn how they operate, how they What do you like the most about school/welding?
are built and how to customize This is a hard question to answer for me because there are so
my own. I quickly realized after many different aspects of welding and school that I love, but I
hanging out in a couple different would have to say the one thing that has stuck out to me is the
motorcycle shops that welding way welding makes me feel. When I am welding, I am not thinking
was a major part in customization about the past, future, problems, or fears, instead, for once in my
of parts. I began watching a friend of mine TIG weld and fabricate life I am doing something every day in which I not only feel 100%
custom frames, pipes, and sissy bars for all kinds of different contentment but also am completely present, in the moment, and
motorcycles. I quickly became infatuated with welding and saw the clear-headed.
endless possibilities that could come from learning and mastering What do you hope to do when you graduate?
such an intricate trade, so I started paying a welding engineer I had After my graduation at Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, I
met from Columbus to teach me how to TIG weld in his free time. intend to utilize the skills that I acquired through my education to
My yearning and desire to learn and practice welding became so further my career as a welder. My preferred field of welding is gas
significant, it was all I could think about. That is when I started tungsten arc welding (TIG). However, I can honestly say, I haven’t
researching schools, and it just so happened that the number one exactly pinpointed where it is TIG will take me. I am completely
welding school in the country was right here in Ohio and only an open-minded to traveling for a job in the United States and even
hour away from where I grew up. I then fearfully told my parents traveling to other countries. I am so intrigued by anything and
how I wanted to pursue welding instead of finishing my marketing everything that welding (especially TIG), can achieve, that my goals
degree. I was shocked when I received not only their blessing but are endless for possibilities that could become my future as a
also their full support in helping me in this new pursuit. Everything welder.
ended up falling into place perfectly, which made my final decision
to attend Hobart Institute even easier.

2018 SPRING ISSUE - 6 - www.welding.org