The Last Pass: A new adventure for a longtime welder

Andreyuu / iStock / Getty Images Plus

When I was approached about replacing Jim Mosman for this column, I was instantly overwhelmed. And I had questions.

Why did I deserve this? Could I step up and fill Jim’s shoes? What if I screw it up? How do you deal with writer’s block? I know others could have more to offer than I do.

I wrote and published two articles in the past, but the thought of a recurring column seemed daunting and humbling at the same time. My apprehensions about writing were quickly squashed by the reassurance of those I look up to and respect. I accepted the challenge—while still nervous about taking it on—and stepped out into something I never thought I would do. I thank Jim for recommending me, and I look forward to the challenge.

But enough about the why—now onto the who.

I am Greg, the program coordinator and one of the welding instructors at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kan. Our multisite program provides opportunities for our students as well as high school students in Hutchinson and neighboring Newton and Hillsboro.

Like many, I struck my first arc in high school, changing my life forever. It was here that I was introduced to Val Johnson , my first of many mentors in the welding community. He did everything he could to build a passion for welding within all of his students. He pushed me to learn everything I could, in both welding and life. He had a particular way of making students think about how their actions today might affect their future. While I didn’t see it at the time, his greatest trait was his willingness to deal with this lost teenager, a kid with zero ideas about the future and how to succeed. I genuinely credit Mr. Johnson for the fact that I finished high school and stayed in the welding world.

The mentors in my life mean so much to me. I have had mentors in the welding industry, including the late David Landon and Ed Norman; people I have worked for/with, such as Aaron King and Wade Orr; instructors that taught me, including Val Johnson, Kevin Elliot, and Greg Belcher; and fellow instructors Eric Vannoy, Jim Mosman, and Matt Magee. By no means is this list exhaustive, but it does cover a vast spectrum of people in my life, past and present, who have influenced me through their willingness to answer questions, provide insight/guidance when needed, and point me toward answers in my life and career. I extend my thanks and gratitude to those that have served in this role and were crucial in my life.

We do not always get to choose those who we mentor in life. So, I ask you to look around and ponder this: How can I help, guide, or point in the right direction the next aspiring welder, inspector, trainee, instructor, or employee at my facility or shop?

Where do we go from here? First and foremost, I plan to follow in Jim's footsteps and continue the Q-and-A component for most of my columns because the format serves the welding community well. While there will be columns addressing welding education specifically, I want to speak to educators and the welding field as a whole. If you have a suggestion, question, or feedback, please email me at thelastpass.thewelder@gmail.com.

I look forward to this journey.