On December 16, 2020, the tables were turned on Southside High School Chemistry teacher Kelsey Harrison and students Anthony Espinosa and Alejandro Lopez when the student became the teacher. Ms. Harrison was invited by two of her students to see what they are learning in their welding class. Ms. Harrison was provided all the safety equipment she would need to safely observe her students. What she did not realize is that her students planned to have her welding by the time she left.
Anthony Espinoza gave Ms. Harrison a demonstration of how to stick weld a “T-joint” using a stick welder. After he finished his demonstration he handed her the welder and a new T-joint so she could weld it. Ms. Harrison shared that Anthony was very patient and talked her through the process very well. It took a few tries, but Ms. Harrison did successfully complete the weld to her new teacher’s approval.
Once she finished stick welding, she moved over to the MIG welder where Alejandro Lopez was waiting to teach her to MIG weld. Again, she was provided a demonstration weld and the Alejandro talked her through her solo Mig weld. Alejandro was pleased with her final results.
After her crash course in welding, Ms. Harrison said she enjoyed the experience and was very happy that she was able to see her students in action. Anthony and Alejandro felt Ms. Harrison did very well and they enjoyed their time being the teacher instead of the student.
Mr. Vigil, the welding instructor, appreciates when other teachers can stop by and allow the students to teach them. It helps to increase the students’ self-confidence in speaking to others, especially those in positions of authority, and it reinforced the fact that the students know how to weld. It is invaluable to have guests stop by and get the tables of education turned on them.
