There are times when we take the sound advice of others and there are times when we must throw caution to the wind and create our own paths.
Delta College welding student and the recipient of two scholarships, from the Hebert Memorial and the Spittka Family, Kindra Manial is doing the latter.
Being neurodivergent and on the autism spectrum, Kindra knew many career paths would
be a challenge. While exploring her options, she became fascinated by welding and
the hands-on nature of the work. Given the affordability and proximity to home, Kindra
found the welding program at Delta College to be an excellent starting point. “I chose
Delta because it was the closest option for me, and I didn’t want to go into debt,”
said Kindra.
Many people in Kindra’s life cautioned her to choose the most practical educational path to obtain an advanced certificate and enter the workforce. But Kindra loves to travel and always intended to incorporate that passion into her career. To do that, she would need her bachelor’s degree. “Welding is an integral part of function in society,” says Kindra. “It’s all around us and the opportunities are vast.”
With the guidance of her Delta College advisor and professors, Kindra switched from the certificate program to the associate degree path, joined the Honors program, was accepted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, learned about study abroad opportunities and enrolled in a global studies program. She also found a great transfer path to later earn her bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University.
The advice Kindra would like to share with future students is, “Don’t pigeonhole yourself or allow others to determine what you’re capable of. And don’t be afraid to talk to an advisor or the admissions staff. They are all really helpful in guiding you to the right path.”
Kindra expects to graduate from Delta with honors with an associate’s in welding engineering technology and a certificate in international studies in April 2025. Kindra’s welding career is already taking her around the globe as she has secured a welding internship and was accepted to study at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) before returning to Michigan to complete her bachelor’s degree in 2027.
“Since being at Delta, I’m beyond confident about my future and the plans I have made.”
Interested in learning more about welding programs? Visit delta.edu/welding.