Jeyrden Kooyers

Ms. Bradshaw

Senior Writing

8 April, 2019

“Intro of I, Jeyrden.R.Kooyers”

Hello, my name is Jeyrden Kooyers and I live by respect and loyalty. Growing up in

Muskegon wasn't always easy, but it's played a big role in forming the fearless and courageous

man I am today. Having a good mindset is important to me as I know it is the only way to

succeed. Everyday when I wake up I think about what I could do to better myself to ensure that

I'm on my best behavior. I am constantly improving to become the best that I can be. Currently

attending the Career Technology Center to help broaden my options and skills, I hope to

influence the younger generation into taking opportunities such as this. Being the youngest was

tough for me, but it showed me how to persevere in all aspects of life. I enjoy being outdoors and

working with my hands, how I spend most of my days. One of the main activities I fancy doing

while outdoors is playing basketball and hiking with friends to build my coordination as well as

my physical appearance. Other activities I find relaxing are fishing with my Uncle and

two-tracking with my older Brother. Because of this, I believe that a man's peace is within

nature. In approximately two months I will be graduating and taking the next big step in my life.

In my 4 years at Mona Shores High School, I have always had a drive for putting all of my effort

into having a good attitude and good grades. Taking Welding at CTC, Middle School, and High

School has helped me decide at last what path I feel would best suit me, which is Welding

Technology.
 As I have developed, I have loved building things and constructing anything I could with

my hands for my own satisfaction. It wasn't until I signed up for Mr. Rabbit’s and Mr.

Bulthouse’s classes that I knew Welding would impact my life as much as it does now. At first, it

was inevitable to get discouraged trying to do well in the trade of Welding. Dealing with the

immense amount of patience needed to strike an arc over a piece of carbon steel was one issue I

struggled with that I was able to persevere through. However, with my strong will and ​aptitude​, I

was able to find a sense of tranquility in Welding leading to my passion for it now. Welding is

important to me because I know that it's a skill that will diminish if the future generation doesn't

decide to get their hands dirty and learn the trade. When I first attended my welding classes, my

instructors told me that the fact that I ​aspire​ at machine set ups and safety procedures will get me

anywhere I want to go in life. My ability to work alone using our hydraulic shear to cut large

sheets of metal shows my capability of being independent. From that point forward, I've done

everything in my power to apply my personality as well as improve my patience in Welding both

at school and CTC to become more ​adroit​ at the skill of Welding. During the three trimesters I've

taken at the Career Tech Center, I have learned a number of different skills from as basic as

setting up the Millermatic 350P MIG welders, to knowing which metals can be welded by what

current settings. Learning things that I hadn't learned in my prior welding class such as Tungsten

Inert Gas Welding ​enhanced​ my love for the trade tremendously.

I believe strongly that my gift of craftsmanship has come as naturally as it has because

my Father and Grandfather are both natural craftsmen. I’ve found that having the propensity for

building and fixing things is a necessity for the world of trades. Therefore, at a young age, I took

up many classes that would build my knowledge and skills in what I envisioned myself doing in
the future. One metals project I remember doing in Middle School that turned my attention

toward the metal industry over something like carpentry, was a sheet metal dustpan that I

created. This dustpan was to be done in a timespan of a week, which of course, in 7th grade was

unimaginable as it was first of many projects to come. So every school day I would go down to

Mr. Pesch’s class during lunch and work on it so I would have as much time to ​productively

create the most unique one in the entire class giving it an aluminum handle, bending, and

manipulating it into the shape I designed. On the last day, my dustpan was formed and ready to

be finished with four simple tack welds on the shops 240V Chicago Electric spot welder.

Turning in my project, I had a massive smile on my face thinking about all of the work I had

done to get it complete before the deadline. The grade I received was a 90%; therefore, I was sad

because I was docked down due to mistakes that in my eyes were nonexistent. After receiving

the A-, I had asked Mr. Pesch to help me understand what I did to get bumped down, so he did.

Leaving that class that day, I realized that I had learned the biggest lesson of craftsmanship and

life itself, perseverance. It was from that day on that I really knew the wisdom and ​diligence​ Mr.

Pesch provided me with would lead me through life with the confidence and hands on skills I

necessary to be a excellent Welder. Without this, I would not be nearly as comfortable as I am

now with the craft.

Now that I am more than two thirds of the way done with High School, it is time I get

serious about applying for college. I have decided that I will continue my education through

Muskegon Community College. Going to MCC will be the best in the long run because they

have many technical and hands on programs that guarantee a good future for me and awesome

opportunities. So far, I’ve applied for the financial aid program and I will be enrolling into
Muskegon Community College as soon as possible. When I am finished with my basic education

classes at Muskegon Community, I plan to apply for their Advance Welding program to receive

my Associate’s degree in Welding Technology. I am confident with my plan as I hope for the

best and continue my optimistic ways.