Seth-Richardson-Sparks-Success-at-RVC.php

Seth Richardson Sparks Success at RVC

• Students
• 06/17/2025

When Seth Richardson first joined Rock Valley College, he was a high school senior participating in the Running Start Program.

Coming from Belvidere North High School, Seth took the initiative early on to shape his future. Seth enrolled at RVC with an open mind, determined to discover a path that suited him. He not only found a program, but a passion! That passion was welding.

Seth’s journey into welding began with the Summer Bridge Program, which showed him different areas of study offered at Rock Valley College. Welding stood out. He decided to sign up, and once he was accepted into the program, his interest in welding was sparked not just by the hands-on appeal, but also the creativity and technical precision it required. He describes welding as a constant learning experience, where every weld is a chance to improve, and mistakes are needed lessons. “I’ve been able to attend every class I’ve needed and make corrections from the last class to improve,” Seth said. “That’s the beauty of welding-when you start from the basics and build on them, you grow.”

Seth didn’t just show up for class, he served as a student worker at Rock Valley College, helping out with the same program that once helped him. This position gave him the opportunity to support other students who were walking the same path he did. “Some of my best experiences are helping students either weld, learn how to use machinery safely, or even just taking in the joy of them taking in that skill and understanding it.” His commitment to both his studies and peers made Seth stand out. This year, Seth was chosen as one of the speakers at Rock Valley College’s graduation-this reflected his hard work, growth, and leadership demonstrated throughout his time at RVC.

Seth admits that the journey wasn’t always easy. Welding doesn’t always come naturally. “It's like an art form.  When you start out, it becomes broken, filled with porosity, and it just doesn't look quite right. And you know it, but with time and lots of patience, you start to understand it.” But instead of letting mistakes discourage him, Seth leaned into the process. Over time, Seth learned how to make strong, clean welds and understood the science behind welding.

Seth’s persistence paid off. He became skilled in many welding techniques and has taken on more advanced classes like overhead and vertical welding. He applied what he’s learned not just in school assignments, but in real-world projects too. “I've built figures and art projects just for my family. I did one recently. It was an art project where square tubing was cut up and made into a sculpture that was on the back of the wall.”

For Seth, welding isn’t just a trade; it’s an art form, a skillset, and a career path. He also appreciates that the field opens doors to many opportunities, including union work, apprenticeships, and entry-level positions that can grow into full-time careers. “It’s an incredible field if you’re looking to learn something new. You don’t have to go to a four-year college to be successful.”

Seth leaves Rock Valley with a strong message to fellow students and future RVC graduates, college doesn’t have to fit a certain mold. Not knowing exactly what you want to do when you start is okay. He encourages others to explore, take entry-level courses, and try different things until something clicks-just like welding did for him. As a student worker, welding student, and now graduation speaker, Seth shows the importance of staying persistent and growing through challenges. Seth shows that it’s not just about mastering welding, it’s also about finding a path.