ABQ Times

GALLUP, N.M. — Emergency medical services graduate Raquel Martinez returned to The University of New Mexico-Gallup to take a welding class to de-stress from work, but her new hobby led to an associate degree in welding and a massive metal sculpture.

What started as a sketch on the floor became a unique sculpture in the shape of a fantasy elk centaur with a real elk skull and antlers covered in epoxy and a body made of metal. Martinez learned how to weld the sculpture as she went along, becoming proficient in metal inert gas (MIG) welding, cutting and bending metal, and using power tools.

“It feels really good to see it completed,” she said. “At first, I couldn’t weld anything in a straight line to save my life. Now, I can say I completed something this size. It feels really good."

UNM-Gallup welding instructor Casey Tom said one of the hardest things about Martinez’s project was working with sheet metal, but she learned the technique on her own and nailed it.

As she completed her project, Martinez graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in welding technology in May 2024.

Tom expressed pride watching Martinez accomplish her goals. He shared his experience building motorcycles but emphasized the fulfillment he gets from teaching students: "But when you’re teaching a student and watching them grow and progress slowly, that’s one of the best parts of being an instructor.”

A welding degree was not originally part of Martinez's plan. Her current passion is EMS, though that wasn't always the case either.

“EMS wasn't my first career choice,” she said. “I was going to school for something else. EMS kind of happened by accident like welding did. I like how serendipity plays its role in everything we do.”

Martinez earned emergency medical technician certificates from UNM-Gallup in 2016 and 2017, then an EMS associate degree in 2020.

She works full-time as an EMT in Pinehill, where she lives with her husband and three children.

However, working as an EMT during the COVID-19 pandemic brought stress, guilt and doubt for Martinez as she witnessed the devastation happening in her community.

To help alleviate stress from work, Martinez sought a new hobby.

A couple of her family members signed up for a welding class at UNM-Gallup in fall 2021; Martinez decided to join them for moral support.

On the first day of class, however, she was the only one who showed up. She joked that she decided to stick with it “out of pettiness.” Then her advisor informed her that she could earn an associate degree if she continued.

"I was looking for something to help with de-stressing from my job,” she said. “This was something completely different and kept my mind off what I have to deal with back at work. It was just relaxing to be here.”

Martinez admitted feeling insecure initially because there were only three women in the shop but believes more people — particularly women — should go into trades such as automotive, construction and welding

Her family provided significant support throughout this journey by sitting with her at home while doing homework or bringing back busted plates that didn’t pass inspection.

“They were on this journey with me,” she said. “They kind of helped me keep going and were there telling me I shouldn’t be quitting because I felt like I wasn’t comfortable and should just give up.”

With her new degree achieved but no immediate plans for pursuing a career specifically within welding yet considering herself more aligned towards being "a professional student," she's contemplating further education possibly leading towards earning bachelor’s degrees within EMS areas fully supported by family encouragement albeit without rushing decisions anytime soon:

“I think my kids see that school is important," noted Ms.Martinez before adding: "but you can’t force yourself into doing something you don’t want"

Instructor Tom views Raquel's story representing possibilities available through programs offered via institutions such UNM Gallup beyond merely academic/professional development purposes alone rather inclusive broader aspects learning skillsets invoking creativity alongside imagination use thereof ultimately showing future generations potential achieving tangible results regardless origins/backgrounds:

“We’re showing students especially younger generation still possible making things hands despite coming smaller communities” explained Mr.Tom concluding remarks underlining pivotal moments pathways open entering industry fields should they choose pursue those directions themselves thereafter:

For more information visit UNM Gallup Welding Technology Program website

Raquel Martinez puts away equipment after completing elk centaur sculpture standing tall inside university workshop premises captured photo credit Richard Reyes