ORAL RHETORIC
INTRODUCTORY SPEECH MANUSCRIPT--TURNED INTO KEY WORD OUTLINE
I was shaped by the peace and serenity of nature. Beginning with many fishing trips with my dad as youngster, by the time I was six he also started taking me deer hunting. I did not know at the time that those bonding experiences were more than just father and son out in the wilderness. My father was passing down tradition that I came to embrace and love. As I grew into a teenager I learned to respect nature and also formed patience. Hunting and fishing with my dad gave me a sense of responsibility, he taught me that as a man it was my responsibility to put food on the table.
Outside of fishing or hunting, my father was a hard worker, and a highly skilled craftsman. When I was age thirteen, he took me for a ride with him to work; when we arrived to the power plant he had built, I was dumbfounded by its magnitude. As a kid you think of what you know and see everyday. I never comprehended what he did for work until I seen it with my own eyes. As we drove into the 7,800 megawatt generating station, consisting of twelve natural gas steam generators (dubbed the twelve sisters), instantly I knew becoming a part in building and maintaining this critical component of our nation's infrastructue was my vocational calling.
I studied, learned and questioned dad about his work. Knowing he was a welder, prior to joining my high school welding class, I asked him for a crash course instruction. After a few days he called me a natural. Shortly after beginning class my welding teacher asked me to assist him instructing other students. Later I would ask dad for his assistance in getting a job. It was not until I began working with him at eighteen, that I learned he was known as the best welder in Michigan, for which, is a title bestowed on few.
Upon becoming a third generation member of International Brotherhood of Boilermaker's union in 2000CE, during my apprenticeship I was well prepared for my first welding exam. A multitude of signatory contractors' certified welding inspectors decide if your qualified. After test completion, the apprenticeship coordinator informed me I passed both mild and stainless steel exams for all contractors, and now held more certifications than any other member of the local lodge, which consisted of over 2000 members. This is where patience prevailed, from extensive practice. I went on to be a proficient craftsmen, in my twelve years and roughly 18,000 active service hours, with thousands of radiographic pressure welds, I had five failures to repair.
As I built confidence as a craftsman, I sought to improve my livelihood, setting my sights on aspiring to become a superintendant, and to own an industrial mechanical contracting business. I established a network of colleagues, over my short lived career and joined seven different union hiring halls, in three seperate labor unions. Emulating the success, hard work and upkeep of the reputation my dad and grandfather established, who served in many leadership capacities throughout their careers, is what motivated me. Administrative leadership within my profession was an objective, and a common discussion with my dad beginning when I was a teen. I was about to receive a promotion prior to my arrest (2010), working at the very same plant mentioned earlier, for one of the world's most prominent contractors in the industry.
However, currently inactive from my career due to incarceration. I am confident that my opportunity to earn a bachelors degree with Calvin University will one day lead to filling a leadership position as a union member, and also help my dad to rest in peace. As a follower of Christ, during my incarceration, through him, I have been improving myself by getting back to the true essence of who God intended me to be. I have been trying to walk as Christ would by displaying love and selflessness, in many ways. I don't have a lot, but still practice philanthropy whenever I am able. Also, I have completed a couple faith based programs, and a few self-help groups, in hopes of furthering my transformation, at the same time hoping that my story might help someone in the process. I intend to continue serving in jail ministry and pursue counseling upon my release from incarceration.
Growing up, I admired many leaders--still do; I always wanted to make a difference. I look forward to the honor and privilege to work and study alongside you men for the next five years. Thank You!
I was shaped by the peace and serenity of nature. Beginning with many fishing trips with my dad as youngster, by the time I was six he also started taking me deer hunting. I did not know at the time that those bonding experiences were more than just father and son out in the wilderness. My father was passing down tradition that I came to embrace and love. As I grew into a teenager I learned to respect nature and also formed patience. Hunting and fishing with my dad gave me a sense of responsibility, he taught me that as a man it was my responsibility to put food on the table.
Outside of fishing or hunting, my father was a hard worker, and a highly skilled craftsman. When I was age thirteen, he took me for a ride with him to work; when we arrived to the power plant he had built, I was dumbfounded by its magnitude. As a kid you think of what you know and see everyday. I never comprehended what he did for work until I seen it with my own eyes. As we drove into the 7,800 megawatt generating station, consisting of twelve natural gas steam generators (dubbed the twelve sisters), instantly I knew becoming a part in building and maintaining this critical component of our nation's infrastructue was my vocational calling.
I studied, learned and questioned dad about his work. Knowing he was a welder, prior to joining my high school welding class, I asked him for a crash course instruction. After a few days he called me a natural. Shortly after beginning class my welding teacher asked me to assist him instructing other students. Later I would ask dad for his assistance in getting a job. It was not until I began working with him at eighteen, that I learned he was known as the best welder in Michigan, for which, is a title bestowed on few.
Upon becoming a third generation member of International Brotherhood of Boilermaker's union in 2000CE, during my apprenticeship I was well prepared for my first welding exam. A multitude of signatory contractors' certified welding inspectors decide if your qualified. After test completion, the apprenticeship coordinator informed me I passed both mild and stainless steel exams for all contractors, and now held more certifications than any other member of the local lodge, which consisted of over 2000 members. This is where patience prevailed, from extensive practice. I went on to be a proficient craftsmen, in my twelve years and roughly 18,000 active service hours, with thousands of radiographic pressure welds, I had five failures to repair.
As I built confidence as a craftsman, I sought to improve my livelihood, setting my sights on aspiring to become a superintendant, and to own an industrial mechanical contracting business. I established a network of colleagues, over my short lived career and joined seven different union hiring halls, in three seperate labor unions. Emulating the success, hard work and upkeep of the reputation my dad and grandfather established, who served in many leadership capacities throughout their careers, is what motivated me. Administrative leadership within my profession was an objective, and a common discussion with my dad beginning when I was a teen. I was about to receive a promotion prior to my arrest (2010), working at the very same plant mentioned earlier, for one of the world's most prominent contractors in the industry.
However, currently inactive from my career due to incarceration. I am confident that my opportunity to earn a bachelors degree with Calvin University will one day lead to filling a leadership position as a union member, and also help my dad to rest in peace. As a follower of Christ, during my incarceration, through him, I have been improving myself by getting back to the true essence of who God intended me to be. I have been trying to walk as Christ would by displaying love and selflessness, in many ways. I don't have a lot, but still practice philanthropy whenever I am able. Also, I have completed a couple faith based programs, and a few self-help groups, in hopes of furthering my transformation, at the same time hoping that my story might help someone in the process. I intend to continue serving in jail ministry and pursue counseling upon my release from incarceration.
Growing up, I admired many leaders--still do; I always wanted to make a difference. I look forward to the honor and privilege to work and study alongside you men for the next five years. Thank You!
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