Meet Carla Strickland – a Central Piedmont student whose career journey has taken a fiery twist! Originally set on accounting, Carla found her true calling in Welding Technology and is now on track to graduate in May 2025 with an AAS in Welding Technology – Fabrication & Manufacturing.

Scholarship-Funded Success 🎓💸
Supported by the Crowder Construction Scholarship and the William Randolph Hearst Foundation Scholarship, Carla’s path shows how ambition and opportunity can open new doors.

From Inspiration to Creation 🎨✨
A high school dual enrollment program at Mallard Creek and online videos ignited Carla’s passion for welding. One of her proudest projects? Crafting a swinging man sculpture in her Fabrication class! From blueprints to weld types, she loved every detail of bringing it to life.

Future Goals 🚀
Carla’s dreams go beyond her graduation date. She aims to:

• Earn her Certified Welding Inspector certification within two years,
• Volunteer and mentor fellow welders, and
• Launch her own welding firm, specializing in services and training young welders.

Carla’s journey reminds us that following your passion can lead to an exciting, fulfilling career. Her story is an inspiring example of how curiosity and hard work pay off! 🌟