Many words have been used to describe Co-Lin Simpson Center welding student Ne’Vaeh Hayes. Her instructor, Joel Duckworth says she is dependable and consistent in her work. Her mother, Melissa Hayes states that she is humble, shy and quiet.
Ne’Vaeh has a sweet smile and is unpretentious. But one word really sums her up best – Na’Vaeh is an overcomer.
Born in Dallas, Texas, in 2001, Ne’Vaeh was a young child when she and her mother moved to Magee. It was in elementary school that her struggles began and she was assigned an Individualized Education Program (IEP). According to Melissa,the IEP was instrumental in helping Ne’Vaeh achieve success in school even to the point of receiving a high school diploma from Magee High in 2021.
While in high school Ne’Vaeh also attended the Simpson County Vocational Technical Center and was exposed to hands on welding before the Covid -19 pandemic hit.
Upon graduation Melissa told her daughter she had to do something. “I can’t stay in the house all day. I have to go somewhere,” Ne’Vaeh stated. When the two visited the Co-Lin campus before the fall semester last year, Ne’Vaeh decided to try the welding program.
Ne’Vaeh has the distinction of being the first young woman to complete the program, which is only in its second year of operation. Along with her classmates she will receive her welding certificate at graduation on May 11 at Boswell Auditorium. She admits that it has been fun but at first she stayed completely to herself. “I’m going to focus on myself, my grades,” she decided. But before long she felt comfortable in her spot in the class.
According to Duckworth, welding careers can be found worldwide and there is no difference in the job for women or men. “There has been a decline in recent years due to workforce retiring, and the welding field is wide open for skilled welders,” he explained.
Mom is thankful for Mr. Duckworth and commends his efforts in helping Ne’Vaeh. “He made sure she takes her notes down. He made sure she had the right tools to study for the tests. Especially being the only girl, he made her comfortable.”
Ne’Vaeh has decided to pursue an associate’s degree at Co-Lin beginning Fall Semester 2022. She has enjoyed the welding program but when asked about looking for a welding job she answered with one word, “No.”
Her mother has nothing but praise for her daughter in all that she has accomplished so far. Speaking through tears of joy Melissa said, “She has had struggles through school. I’m overwhelmed and so proud of her. You know you pray for your kids. I also prayed over my kids. I was very proud of her when she graduated high school. I didn’t doubt her but I didn’t know if it was going to be too hard for her. I encourage her every day before she gets out of the car – ‘Have a good day; do your best; I love you.’” All Melissa desires is for her kids to try as she believes as long as they do, everything else will fall into place. Ne’Vaeh has an 11 year old brother, Nehemiah, who is a 6th grader at Magee Middle School. In addition, on her dad’s side, she has an older brother and baby sister.
Mom Melissa also attended and graduated from Co-Lin Simpson Center after completing a six year stint in the US Army and working as a military contractor for another five years. She enrolled in 2013 and went on to complete her associate’s degree in general studies. During her years of contract work Ne’Vaeh was able to spend her second grade year with Melissa in Kuwait. While there the two travelled to Dubai and Bahrain, and Ne’Vaeh has some memories of those times.
Ne’Vaeh will keep welding on the backburner employment-wise but is looking forward to completing her AA and finding a job in the business world.
Melissa has her own desires for her daughter. “I really want her to be able to live on her own and get a job that she likes, that she’s comfortable with and meet some genuine wholehearted people.”
