Kelloggsville — Senior Jonathan Mubake admits he loves a challenge, which is why he enjoys trying new things.
During a tour of Kent Career Tech Center his sophomore year at Kelloggsville High School, for example, he thought welding looked interesting and decided to sign up.
He recalled it was difficult at first.
“You have to (move the tool) left to right,” Jonathan said. “It took me, like, at least three weeks just to figure it out without (the piece) breaking apart.”
He recalled his frustration while working on a scale model of a wrestling ring, similar to those in World Wrestling Entertainment. Although he had learned the basics, he saw again how challenging welding could be.
But after a week of struggling, something finally clicked.
“I realized I just needed to change one thing, and once I did,” he said, “everything fell into place perfectly.”
What is your dream? Welding
Why is this your dream? During that tour of the Tech Center his sophomore year, Jonathan’s interest was sparked when he learned about the potential earnings of those in the field. As he became more involved in the program, he said he was amazed at the variety of things that could be created.
What do you hope to do as a career or occupation? Jonathan initially planned to pursue welding in the U.S. Army, but it was not available when he enlisted. He decided to enter the 89D program, the military occupational specialty for explosive ordnance disposal.
He explained that he will be defusing bombs both manually and with drones. He finds the technology interesting, and it incorporates his welding skills.
After completing the army program, he said, he might enter a law enforcement bomb squad or SWAT team. He said even though his life may go in a different direction, he plans to do welding as a hobby, such as building and repairing items.
How are school and your teachers helping you achieve your dream? Jonathan credits former instructor Jim Swenson: “He always just made welding fun. … He was always very motivational. When I got here, for the first two months it was a little iffy if I wanted to stay. He always said, ‘Just keep going. Just keep doing it.’”
Jonathan said current instructor Jordan Sund helps him stay motivated, both in class and at school.
A few related accomplishments:
- Tech Center’s Pro of the Month award, junior and senior years
- Honorable mention at regionals at the Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society’s annual student competition, for the wrestling ring scale model
- Jonathan plans to enter the MITES competition again with a fire pit table he is creating.
The biggest lesson you have learned from your involvement in welding: “If you are stuck on something, just don’t give up on it, because eventually you’re going to figure it out. … Once you figure it out, it becomes easy.”
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