Welding student sparks up a new career

STC Mid-Valley Welding student Luz Lopez is proving that determination, family support and an unwavering drive to push past barriers can lead to fulfilling a deeper calling.

Lopez says she knew from a young age she would find a hands-on career, but it was cultural expectations that steered her away from her childhood dreams.

“Growing up in Mexico, I was always a good kid who loved to learn, but I knew I was different because I had bold dreams and spoke about my future, which sounded so different from the other little girls in my grade,” Lopez explained. “I vividly remember telling my parents that I wanted to be in law enforcement or the military. I always thought, as soon as I turned 18, I would enlist. While my family didn’t completely discourage me from it, cultural expectations on who I should be, took me down a very different path that I hadn’t envisioned for myself.”

After her family settled in Donna, Texas, Lopez graduated from Donna High School in 2011 and enrolled at STC, pursuing an associate degree in Spanish and Education. Despite her love for education, Lopez knew teaching wasn’t her calling.

“I did love education and I still do, but I knew deep down that becoming a Spanish teacher wasn’t my true passion,” Lopez shared. “When I was nearing graduation, I had to complete field hours at a high school and it was at that exact moment that I was confident this profession was not for me. Despite graduating with my degree in 2015, I couldn’t let go of my childhood ambition of being in law enforcement and decided I will stay in school and finally follow the direction of my heart.”

In 2017, Lopez achieved a new milestone by earning her second associate degree, this time in Criminal Justice. She was eager to launch her career in law enforcement, actively reaching out to agencies and preparing for the next steps, when her life took an unexpected and joyful turn – she became a first-time mom.

“My dreams were put on pause, but for one of the best reasons. I became a full-time mom to my little girl and she became the center of my world, my purpose,” Lopez expressed. “It was my goal to be as hands-on with my daughter as possible, especially during the first few years of her life. Although I shifted my focus from career ambitions to being by my baby’s side, she reignited something in me.”

Seven years later, Lopez made the decision to return to school, feeling more empowered than ever to break into a male-dominated field. Determined to rejoin the workforce and prove her capabilities, she embraced this new challenge with newfound confidence and purpose.

“I finally decided it was time to focus on myself,” Lopez shared. “My little girl is more independent now and when I look at her, I know I want to set an example for her. That’s why I came back to school in August and took on a completely new challenge – welding. I started researching, watching videos and talking to friends in the industry, and I fell in love with the craft. It feels like something I’m meant to do. I know that welding is a male-dominated field, but I want to help change that narrative. Getting an education to become an industry professional is the first step.”

Impressed by her determination, Mid-Valley Welding faculty Darrell Mobley highlighted the progress Lopez has made in just her first semester in the program.

“From the very first day of class, I’ve watched Lopez grow tremendously as both a person and a student,” Mobley shared. “She has a clear dream and a goal to become the best welder she can be. While she was initially a bit reserved, her strong will and determination have driven her to fully embrace this journey. Lopez is an inspiring example of someone who isn’t afraid to chase her dreams, even when faced with uncertainty.”

Lopez credits the support she’s received at STC for helping her pursue her dreams. The recent expansion of the welding program at the Mid-Valley Campus has provided her with state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on training. Additionally, she appreciates the collaborative effort of the entire department, which works together to ensure student success.

“Every day, we’re learning new skills and all of the faculty here are incredibly supportive to me and my classmates,” Lopez said. “I am also really excited about using this brand-new facility and the hands-on training I get here has made all the difference in just my first semester.”

Now in control of her future, Lopez hopes her new beginning will spark a passion for other young girls to follow their dreams no matter how bold they may seem. Lopez also plans to one day give back by teaching and supporting future generations of welders.

“I want to pay it forward. Just like my instructors have helped me, I want to help others get started on their own journeys,” Lopez shared. “I think it’s important for people who look like me to take up these types of spaces. I want my story to be an example of living outside of the box, I don’t want my daughter or any young lady to ever limit themselves. To them I say, ‘Believe that you can do the impossible. Even if it takes hard work or takes a long time, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.’”

For more information on STC’s Welding program, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/welding/.