OFTC’s Jaclyn Usry Transforms Passion for Welding into Passion for Teaching

For Jaclyn Usry, the welding lab at Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) is more than a classroom—it’s where she discovered a career, found a mentor, and now has the opportunity to inspire students of her own. 

After earning her diploma in Welding and Joining Technology in December 2025, Usry joined OFTC as a welding lab assistant. She never imagined herself teaching, but it didn’t take long for her perspective to change. 

“I started to get attached to the students and helping them learn, and my heart changed,” Usry said. “I just felt that no matter my job title or position at OFTC, I was meant to be here helping others.” 

Before long, Usry realized her future wasn’t just in welding—it was in helping students grow their confidence and skills the same way her instructors had helped her.  

From Lab to Classroom 

After serving as an assistant for two semesters, an opportunity presented itself for Usry to step into a new role as the Welding and Joining Technology instructor on OFTC’s Sandersville Campus—the same program and campus where her own journey began as a student. 

The transition from student to instructor has been a full-circle moment for Usry. Now, instead of standing at a welding booth learning the trade, she stands at the front of the classroom helping others develop their skills, overcome challenges, and build confidence. 

“Because I’ve been in their shoes, I can remember the mistakes I made and the steps I took to correct them,” Usry said. “It seems to bring the students comfort when I say, ‘I did the same thing, and I tried this instead,’ knowing that their instructor is human and I have been where they were standing.” 

That perspective has helped Usry navigate one of the biggest challenges of stepping into the role—learning that every student learns differently. 

“Not everyone learns the same, which at first was challenging,” Usry said. “But if one approach isn’t working, we adapt and find a new one.” 

Investing in the Next Generation 

For Usry, the way she teaches today is rooted in her experience as a student. She understands the impact an instructor can have—and hopes to provide the same type of support and encouragement she received to students who walk into her classroom. 

“Mr. Simmons showed me what it means to invest in your students,” Usry said. “I want my students to know that I believe in them and that I’m here to help them grow.” 

Continuing that impact is what makes this new chapter so meaningful for Usry. She’s excited to build relationships with students, encourage them through challenges, and watch their confidence grow throughout the program—just as her own instructors did for her. 

“I love what God has planned for me,” Usry said. “I get to come to work at a place where it doesn’t feel like work at all. Encouraging students and watching their confidence and welding skills grow throughout the program has been incredibly fulfilling.” 

While investing in the next generation of welders, Usry is also continuing her own educational journey by pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding and Joining Technology. 

To learn more about OFTC’s Welding and Joining Technology program, visit the college’s website, OFTC.edu. 

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