TJ Rice, an Indiana Online Academy 8th grader through John R. Wooden Middle School, has developed a strong passion for welding over the past three years. Growing up on a family farm, he quickly realized the importance of welding. What started as a simple curiosity has turned into a skill that will serve him for life.
With a father who welds on their family equipment, TJ wants to follow in his footsteps. Inspired by his dad’s work, he was eager to learn and began with smaller projects, welding nuts and bolts. He recently completed a 30-pound, 2-foot-wide 3D bulldozer model that tested his skills and patience while fueling his passion. The project was completed with spare equipment parts and roughly three and a half hours. Each new project provides an opportunity to refine his techniques and learn more about the trade.
After some difficult experiences in traditional school, TJ and his family decided that online learning would be the best fit for his education. Indiana Online has provided him with a supportive environment that allows him to focus on his studies while still pursuing his interests in welding and helping on the family farm. The flexibility of online learning has been a game changer, giving him the ability to complete his coursework while dedicating time to hands-on skills that are just as important to his future. When school work is done, he spends time in the shop and tending to his family’s pigs, cows and crops. Farm life has instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic, traits that translate well into his welding projects. Online learning has empowered him to take control of his education, pursue his passions, and build a strong foundation for what’s ahead.
“I am only successful with what I do because of the teachers and opportunity to go to Indiana Online.”
TJ envisions his future career as a diesel mechanic or a farmer – two fields that align perfectly with his skills and interests. He sees welding as a crucial part of both industries, whether he’s repairing heavy machinery or maintaining farm equipment. No matter which path he chooses, welding will always be a valuable tool in his arsenal. As he looks toward the future, he knows that his experiences and resilience have given him the skills and determination to succeed in whatever he sets out to do.
