"I’ve never been happier with a career choice,” said Tracie Hagest. “This is the first time that I actually love what I’m doing.”
Tracie is a recent graduate of South Puget Sound Community College’s Welding Program. While reflecting on her time at SPSCC, Tracie shared that getting diagnosed with mouth cancer for the second time at 28 years old marked the beginning of her journey.
"At that time, I had kind of just been coasting along in my life and getting by,” Tracie said. “After recovery, I found a different kind of motivation to get things rolling and finally build the life I wanted.”
Following intensive treatment in 2013, Tracie continued to endure many of the lingering effects, including eating disorders, anxiety, and chronic back pain. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she refused to give up.
"For a long time, I let these things limit what I allowed myself to pursue. I had to work very hard at not feeling sorry for myself. I was alive and that was the important part," she said.
Tracie explored a variety of potential career paths ranging from culinary arts to early childhood education, but nothing seemed to stick. It wasn’t until her partner introduced her to the trades that she found her perfect match. In Winter 2020, Tracie enrolled in SPSCC’s Welding Program.
“I decided to try out welding since it was something that interested me from the second I watched someone do it,” Tracie shared. “I've never once gotten tired of the coursework and I was always excited when new quarters started since it meant I could start learning a new process.”
Today, Tracie works as a welder and craftswoman, creating her own art and custom work while she continues to hone her skills.
“I’m excited to be able to make a living working with my hands and making things that I am proud of. I’m finally able to plan for the future that I want with skills that I know can get me there.”