Henry Rodriguez comes to Welder Underground from Brooklyn with a quiet determination that runs deep. He's worked grills and dish stations, done what he had to do, and kept his eye on something that could change the trajectory — for himself and for his mother, who has been one of the steadfast supporters in his corner.

Welding has drawn Henry for years, but equipment costs kept it out of reach. Now that the door is open, he's walking through it. He carries hard-won perspective from real setbacks, and for him, this program is proof that where you start doesn't determine where you end up.