Forging Her Future

“It was really satisfying, and I liked knowing that I could make whatever shape I wanted, could cut out whatever I wanted out of this metal. It’s the freedom of creativity.”

When Victoria Perez graduated from high school, she wasn’t entirely sure what would come next. 

She had considered a career in healthcare, potentially as a psychologist or psychiatrist, but the cost of a four-year degree made her hesitate. While weighing her options and working at a local restaurant, a co-worker suggested she look into Francis Tuttle Technology Center. 

As Perez learned more about Francis Tuttle, she became increasingly interested in attending. This came during a “really big rough patch” in her life, and Perez started focusing on getting accepted. 

“I walked around the campus, and there were students at work, and I just wanted to be here,” Perez said of her experience when visiting to take a placement test. “I was itching to get in.”

Perez is about to start her second year on the Reno Campus after joining the Welding program in August 2025. 

“I applied the minute that those applications opened,” Perez shared. “I was eager to get in and was eager to be here. Actually being here feels so refreshing. I feel like I can actually talk to somebody about my problems and something actually gets done. I don’t feel like I’m just getting overseen.” 

Since starting at Francis Tuttle, Perez said she has felt supported by administrators and an instructor who genuinely care about students’ success. From an instructor who knows students personally to classmates who are willing to help one another, Perez said the program has created an environment where students are encouraged to learn, ask questions, and improve their skills. She also appreciates the opportunity to learn through trial and error without being afraid of making mistakes. 

“I think we have a really good relationship with our instructor as well,” Perez said. “It feels nice to have a really caring instructor because it’s not every day that you get that. The instructors at Francis Tuttle are always going to care about everything that you do, and they're actually going to be interested in it. It's not going to be just to ask you, or just a formality.”

Perez’s interest in welding started when she was in high school. As a freshman, she was searching for another elective and decided to try welding. She found herself drawn to seeing how the metal moved and analyzing how it worked. 

“It was really satisfying, and I liked knowing that I could make whatever shape I wanted, could cut out whatever I wanted out of this metal,” Perez said. “It’s the freedom of creativity.” 

After completing the program, Perez hopes to continue welding professionally while pursuing a dream of creating sculptures and artistic metal pieces through her own business. She is also interested in entrepreneurship and hopes to develop products designed specifically for women in welding and other similar industries. 

“I want to start my own business where I can branch off and make clothes that are comfortable for women,” Perez shared. “All the clothes that we wear, whether they’re for men or for women, are uncomfortable. They’re not breathable, and we know we can make them breathable. We know that there are things we can do to make them better and more comfortable for us.”

Beyond the technical skills, Perez said the program has helped her grow both personally and professionally. Students have professional development opportunities, such as conducting mock interviews with classmates, learning how to interact with customers, and discussing topics like how to dress for job interviews.

“We learn how to properly stand up for ourselves and how to ask questions and talk to people,” Perez said. “Ever since I started being here, I have become a little more open. I definitely started talking to everybody, and it definitely made me come out of my bubble a little bit.”