{"id":14469,"date":"2025-11-26T11:39:45","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T16:39:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=14469"},"modified":"2025-11-26T11:39:45","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T16:39:45","slug":"welding-own-path-shareece-watkins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/welding-own-path-shareece-watkins\/","title":{"rendered":"Shareece Watkins: Welding Her Own Path at Goodwin"},"content":{"rendered":"

Discovering a new path<\/h2>\n

\u201cI like to build things. I like to work with my hands, so [welding] was another opportunity to get something underneath my belt. I stuck with it and I\u2019m still here.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Goodwin alum and faculty member Shareece Watkins didn\u2019t set out to become a welder. After high school, feeling bored and unsure of her next steps, she joined Goodwin University\u2019s Welding program<\/a> on a suggestion from her mother. With a love for working with her hands and building things, she decided to give it a try \u2014 never imagining the path it would open.<\/p>\n

Overcoming challenges<\/h2>\n

While earning her Welding certificate at Goodwin, Watkins faced a major obstacle: surgery on her dominant right hand for tennis elbow. Determined not to fall behind, she adapted, learning to weld with her left hand.<\/p>\n

This experience not only strengthened her skills but also shaped her approach as a mentor. Today, she can teach students using both hands, helping left-handed learners grasp welding techniques<\/a> that might otherwise feel difficult.<\/p>\n

From graduate to mentor<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After completing the program, Watkins explored entrepreneurship and healthcare work, running her own construction and trucking businesses and delivering medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

Eventually, a former instructor invited her back to Goodwin as a Welding lab technician \u2014 a role that perfectly blends her technical expertise with her love of teaching.<\/p>\n

Her responsibilities are wide-ranging: preparing materials, maintaining lab safety, ensuring equipment is functioning, and guiding students through projects. Watkins works closely with each student, helping them build confidence and master welding skills.<\/p>\n

Creating and innovating<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Welding is more than a trade for Watkins \u2014 it\u2019s a creative outlet. Her projects range from practical pieces, like a bench she still uses every day, to large-scale creations such as grills made from recycled oil tanks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m infatuated with artwork now. I didn\u2019t realize how much artwork comes out of welding,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n

Her approach inspires students to think creatively, combine technical skill<\/a> with artistry, and see every project as a chance to innovate.<\/p>\n

Thriving in a male-dominated field<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they can do it, we can do it \u2014 and we can do it ten times better.\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n

As a woman in welding, Watkins initially faced challenges being heard and recognized. Over time, she earned respect through skill, patience, and collaboration. Her colleagues now call her the \u201cmother of the Welding program,\u201d a nod to her mentorship and the sense of community she fosters.<\/p>\n

She encourages other women to pursue welding<\/a> boldly.<\/p>\n

Building a community<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Watkins\u2019 journey is a story of resilience, creativity, and mentorship. From overcoming personal setbacks to navigating a male-dominated field, she embodies the supportive, opportunity-driven spirit of Goodwin University.<\/p>\n

Through her work, she continues to inspire students, demonstrating that welding is not just a career, but a craft, a community, and a platform for growth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Follow in Shareece Watkins\u2019 footsteps and turn your curiosity into a career. Goodwin University\u2019s Welding program offers hands-on training, expert instructors, and a supportive community to help you succeed. Apply today<\/strong><\/a> and start building a future you can be proud of.<\/em><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Discovering a new path \u201cI like to build things. I like to work with my hands, so [welding] was another opportunity to get something underneath my belt. I stuck with it and I\u2019m still here.\u201d Goodwin alum and faculty member … Continue reading Shareece Watkins: Welding Her Own Path at Goodwin<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":14474,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1079,1064],"tags":[268,430,1069,701,792],"class_list":{"0":"post-14469","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-academics","8":"category-manufacturing","9":"tag-featured","10":"tag-manufacturing","11":"tag-student-profile","12":"tag-welding","13":"tag-welding-certification","15":"fallback-thumbnail"},"yoast_head":"\nWelding Student Success Story | Goodwin University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Shareece Watkins entered the Welding program unsure of her future, but soon turned her education into a passion and thriving career. 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