Western Technical College Newsletter

Father & Sons Team Up for Success

With Fathers Day approaching, Isaac Guajardo Sr. and sons, Isaac Jr. and Jose have something exciting to celebrate. Accomplishments, success, and inspiration have brought them close together. Isaac Jr. had aspirations to attend the Welding Program at Western Technical College (WTC) since attending high school. Isaac Jr. grew his desire for welding while in metal working classes at Santa Teresa High School.  “After I competed in a welding competition and placed third against others who had much more experience than I did, I decided to get my certification,” said Isaac Jr. It was only months after graduating in 2004 that Isaac Jr. followed his dream. What Isaac Jr. did not know was that in 2005 his father, Isaac Sr., would follow in his footsteps and join him in his plans for a future career in Welding. “After four years of working for a company, they cut back on my hours and wage, and eventually went out of business, I was forced to look at my future,” said Isaac Sr.

In the meantime, the Career Services Department at WTC had already helped Isaac Jr. obtain a job after just one week in school. Isaac Sr. adds, “I thought, if my son can do it, and he is already working, so can I. It was very difficult at my age, leaving fulltime work and starting fulltime school, but with the support of my family and my wife of 25 years, Elizabeth, I did it!” With tears in her eyes, Elizabeth adds, “I am very proud of my husband and my son. They have contributed to our family and our future. In hard times, you never know what God has planned. I never thought when I held Isaac Jr. in my arms as a baby that he would inspire his father to look at a career. Now, they work together and learn from one another.”

What does the future hold? Isaac Sr. and Jr. aren't the only ones on the welding career path. Youngest brother and son, Jose, a sophomore in high school, has decided he wants to attend WTC and study welding, too. The Guajardo's goal is to start a family business using the skills and work experience they have gained. Isaac Sr. says, “I’ve wanted to tell my son how proud I am of him! He has taught me a lot.”