Instructor turns welding student in memorable reversal

Invited by one of her students into the welding lab, Penn College faculty member Melissa A. Webb this week flipped roles for what she later called an "unforgettable experience."

"My students became my instructors and I became the (excited and nervous) student," said Webb, instructor of technology and information literacy/course coordinator. "They outfitted me with safety gear and taught me some brief theory about welding, then it was time to dive in."

"They" are welding & fabrication engineering technology students Ella V. Meckley, of Williamsport, and Cici D. Miller, of Dover. Meckley is in Webb's Information Technology & Society class this semester; Miller took the same course in the fall.

About a month ago, Meckley approached her instructor after class and asked, "Mrs. Webb, would you like to come weld in the lab with me?" The immediate response was, "Yes!"

So, during instructor Timothy S. Turnbach's Gas Metal Arc I class on Monday, Webb started with MIG welding and then moved to stick welding.

"I enjoyed MIG welding, and got a 'thumbs up' from both Ella and Cici for my welds," she said. "Stick was challenging for me to start, which they assured me was normal."

"It was a humbling experience for my students to teach me their passion," Webb added. "They explained the process, answered my questions and gave constant feedback while I was welding to make my experience successful. I absolutely loved watching them in their element!"