Growing up in a military family, Nathan Torres developed an early interest in aircraft and aviation. Now he’s studying welding at San Diego College of Continuing Education, hoping to pursue a career in the aerospace industry.

At the college’s Educational Cultural Complex, Torres, 31, is learning gas tungsten arc welding, an essential skill in several aerospace careers. Being on campus is nostalgic for the San Diego native; 10 years ago, he completed SDCCE’s accelerated high school program, graduating three months ahead of his peers.

After earning his diploma, Torres studied aerospace engineering at City College and was on track to transfer to the University of California, San Diego, but his plan was interrupted by personal and financial challenges. With two jobs, he needed a program that allowed him to work at his own pace.

He was inspired to learn welding and reignite his aerospace dream by his 5-year-old son, Matthias. “My hope is to have (a) career that makes more than enough to provide for us and gives us more time together,” said Torres.

The College of Continuing Education’s welding program has also given Torres a chance to be part of southeast San Diego history. Under the direction of welding professor Mike Bradbury, Torres and his peers are helping to replicate The Black Family statue, created in 1974 by the late artist-in-residence Rossie Wade to represent the strength and pride of the local Black community.  

The statue, which had deteriorated due to weather and vandalism, is a testament to Wade’s legacy and the rich civil rights history of the Educational Cultural Complex.

The San Diego Community College District’s With Excellence magazine recently spoke with Torres about welding, art, aerospace and his plans for the future:

Q: Why do you want to work in aerospace? 
A: My dad served in the Navy, and being with (him) at his duty station in North Island, I was able to see how Navy helicopters were used and how they were put together. It was so cool. That exposure sparked my curiosity with aviation and space.  
 
Q: Why are you so passionate about welding? 
A: I love welding because it is a whole sensory process. It is the feeling you get from the electricity, from the rod to the metal. You can smell it, hear it, and notice the differences in arches. Welding is my niche, from fabricating the metal to the whole artistry of the craft. 
 
Q: What was it like to contribute to the making of the Black Family statue? 
A: What the Black Family statue represents is amazing. It is something I made with my own hands. If my son goes to this school, he will be able to see it. It still astonishes me that when I signed up for this class that this would be the by-product. Helping to sculpt this statue was something I really committed myself to.  
 
Q: What inspires you about metal art? 
A: Welding gives me a new perspective to see the world around me.  There is so much creativity to it. Outside of aerospace, I would love to be a metal artist and own a father-and-son business. That is the beauty of welding, it opens so many doors.