Texas Border Business
At 24 years old, Axel Cabrera is pursuing a welding certificate at South Texas College thanks to the encouragement he has received from his family to aim for a brighter future.
“I decided to pursue this career because of my family and the drive to do more with my life,” Cabrera said. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve been inspired by the hardworking people around me. They’ve pushed me to aim higher.”
Cabrera’s brother-in-law, a pipe fitter, has been a key figure in motivating him to persevere in the field.
“He inspires me to keep going and strive for excellence in my work,” Cabrera said.
Though he initially attended STC a few years ago, personal challenges forced him to step away. He calls returning to college to enroll in the welding program a leap of faith.
“I learned about the program through my brother,” Cabrera explained. “I decided to go with my gut and enroll in a more established college. STC was familiar to me, and it felt like the right choice.”
As Cabrera continues his educational journey, he plans to gain more hands-on experience with welding machines to refine his skills.
“I want to learn the ins and outs a bit more,” he said. “It’s all about practice and paying attention to the fine details. Every little thing adds up to create a beautiful weld.”
For him, his greatest source of motivation comes from his mother, who is currently battling cancer. Despite her own struggles, she continues to support him, and Cabrera ensures she gets to her appointments while sharing his progress with her.
“I show her every good weld I make to let her know I’m fighting hard for my future,” he said. “It takes a bit of stress off of her to see that I’m working toward something better.”
As a first-generation college student, Cabrera views his journey as a symbol of hope and perseverance.
“STC has given me hope for my future,” he said. “It’s a system I know and trust, and it’s close to home.”
Cabrera’s dream is to pursue welding on tall structures or bridges or to become a skilled boilermaker. With graduation approaching next year, he remains determined to succeed and create a bright future for himself and his family.
For more information on STC’s Welding program, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/welding/.
