June 22, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Cheyenne Belonga never imagined that she would find herself taking a welding class, but life has a funny way of presenting unexpected opportunities.
“When I received an email from GRCC with the subject line 'Women can be welders, too!' I couldn't help but be intrigued,” she said. “I immediately reached out to my mom, Tanya Contreras, and suggested that we take the class together. After all, we've always been a team, and this seemed like an exciting new adventure for both of us.”
The Grand Rapids Community College Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp has been a transformative experience for the two women.
“Not only has it provided us with valuable skills for entry-level welding positions, but it has also opened our eyes to a world of possibilities,” Belonga said. “Growing up with a father who was a welder for over two decades, I always had a curiosity about welding. It felt like the perfect time to explore this interest and learn a skill that could benefit us in countless ways.”
The GRCC Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp offers people the opportunity to gain skills for entry level welding positions. It is a short-term program to get welders work in West Michigan, with the goal of helping them grow into apprenticeships or other learning opportunities within the welding field.
As a mother-daughter duo in a household dominated by men, Contreras and Belonga have always encouraged each other to break gender stereotypes and pursue their passions.
ForBelonga, the idea of being able to tell her children and grandchildren that they are capable of doing anything they set their minds to has been a driving force for many of her life choices.
“We want to be living proof of that truth,” she said. “By taking this welding class, we are not only expanding our own horizons but also inspiring future generations to dream big and embrace non-traditional paths.”
Contreras truly appreciates the training.
“The instructors, Nick Pinckney and Brianna Lampe, have been phenomenal,” she said. “They create a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where making mistakes is seen as part of the learning process. Their guidance and encouragement has boosted our confidence and allowed us to improve our skills with each passing day. We have also formed a tight-knit community with our fellow students, exchanging knowledge and giving each other helpful pointers. The camaraderie and shared passion for welding have made this class even more enjoyable.”
Looking ahead, the possibilities seem endless. The two are talking about building a shipping container home to crafting custom furniture. Belonga is excited for what her future holds.
“We have envisioned a myriad of projects that we can now tackle with our newfound welding skills. Personally, I have even contemplated exploring the fascinating field of underwater welding in the Texas area. Life is too short to let our minds limit us, and we want to look back and say that we pursued every opportunity that came our way.”
Both have tremendous gratitude to GRCC and Metallica for creating a program like the Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp.
“It has not only provided us with the technical know-how but has also given us a pathway into a rewarding career.”
GRCC works to attract people from diverse backgrounds so the program is fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers.
Completing the program on June 15, 2023 marks an important milestone in Contreras’ and Belonga’s journeys.
“Our thirst for knowledge and personal growth will continue,” Belonga said. “We are committed to lifelong learning because we firmly believe that if you're not learning, you're not truly living. Thank you, GRCC, for helping us discover a passion we never knew we had and for empowering us to embrace a future filled with endless possibilities."
GRCC was one of the first 10 colleges in the nation to earn a Metallica Scholars grant, a partnership between the legendary band, its All Within My Hands Foundation, and the American Association of Community Colleges.
To qualify for the program, participants must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma/GED, and be able to work in the United States. For more information go to grcc.edu/metallica.