(FORT BEND) – Success and love is what Kalli Ford found at Texas State Technical College in Waco. The Katy native graduated in 2011 with her associate degree in Welding Technology. After leaving college for several years to pursue her career she finds herself back at the place that started it all, this time as the welding instructor for TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus.

Ford, a first generation college student, had several career options she wanted to pursue while she was in high school, until she took a welding class that changed everything.

“You could say I grew up in the garage with my dad,” said Ford. “He was a diesel mechanic and I was always helping him with something. So when I took welding in high school, it wasn’t too farfetched. I just didn’t expect to love it as much as I do.”

Ford’s interest in welding grew during this time in her life. So much so, that she let go of her dreams of enlisting in the military and becoming nurse, pursuing a career in marine biology, and becoming a teacher.

Ford said besides her love for welding, the cost of a college education was also a deciding factor.

“I didn’t grow up with a lot of money,” said Ford. “So to have my parents pay thousands of dollars for a university didn’t seem right to me. At TSTC, I got to study what I love and it was affordable.”

Immediately after TSTC, Ford was offered a position with Acute Technological Services, a Houston company that provides welding services to energy industries on- and-offshore. In her three years there, Ford had the opportunity to participate in a one-year NASA project working on the James Webb Space Telescope.

“If I had not studied at TSTC there’s no way I would have made it at Acute,” said Ford. “I learned all the skills I needed at TSTC and my instructors really prepared me for the workforce.”

Not only did Ford find her career at TSTC, but she also found her partner in life.. Her husband is also a welder and sat next her during class. They have been married for two years and are excited to see what the future holds for them.

As for Ford’s career, the future looks bright. She has accepted a position as the welding instructor at TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus and will officially start August 2016..

“I’ve always loved teaching and now I can combine it with welding,” said Ford. “I also have a passion for helping people and this will definitely allow me to help others build successful careers.”

Ford said this career path was unexpected, but knows it was meant to be.

“TSTC definitely changed my life for the better,” said Ford. “I’ve already seen it change other lives as well and I’m ready to be a part of that.”

Welding Technology is offered at eight TSTC locations and will be offered in Fort Bend County beginning August 2016. For more information on the program in Fort Bend call 281-239-1548.

Registration for summer and fall 2016 begins April 4. You can apply online anytime at tstc.edu.