Walk into the welding shop at San Jacinto College's North Campus and you're likely
to find Emily Choate and Amber Tyler — two instructors who have spent more than a
decade turning students into skilled welders. As the college marks Women's History
Month, their stories offer a reminder of what persistence can look like over the long
haul.
In 2016, San Jac featured the pair in a CareerFocus article recognizing them for breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated field. In 2026,
they're still here — still welding, still teaching, and still inspiring.
Choate and Tyler reflect on their paths from students to instructors and what continues
to fuel their passion for the trade.
Q: Why did you choose San Jacinto College?
Choate: In a way, San Jacinto College chose me. I was a young mom dealing with medical issues,
and it became the best option at the time. I came to San Jac not knowing anyone, but
I quickly felt like part of a family. The instructors made me feel comfortable asking
questions — and as someone who was afraid of looking ‘stupid’, that support meant
everything.
Tyler: I grew up in this area and knew San Jacinto College had a strong reputation in welding.
As a young woman interested in trades where there were very few of us, I wanted a
place that would help me gain real-world skills and confidence. The hands-on, practical
approach suited my learning style perfectly.
Q: Why did you choose welding?
Choate: As a single parent, I needed a way to support myself and my child. I considered the
military, but a visible tattoo disqualified me at the last moment, and I left feeling
defeated. On the drive home, I spotted a metal sculpture in downtown Houston and thought,
'It would be cool to learn how to weld something like that.' My dad connected me with
San Jac's welding program, and I was offered a scholarship to represent women in the
trades. The moment I started, I realized it was like painting — except metal was my
medium. I instantly fell in love.
Tyler: I've always enjoyed working with my hands and learning by doing. Welding was a natural
fit — it allowed me to be creative, work directly with materials, and see immediate
results. There were very few women in welding at the time, and I liked the challenge
of carving out my own path.
Tyler (left) and Choate (right) in 2016, then 2026.
Q: Why did you choose to become an educator?
Choate: Like many things in my life, it was an opportunity I stumbled upon. While working
in industry, I was offered the chance to train fellow employees. I'm often asked what
the difference is between a certificate and a degree. My answer is always the same:
One says you can weld; the other says you can learn. Having my associate degree opened
the door to teaching, and I quickly fell in love with it.
Tyler: I wanted to give back and help others — especially students who, like me, learn best
by doing. Teaching allows me to share the skills I've gained while inspiring the next
generation of welders, including more women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Choate: I struggled academically and took a long time to find where I belonged, so it means
everything to help students find that place for themselves. I love making learning
relatable and accessible.
Tyler: I love helping students discover their potential in a hands-on environment. Watching
them build skills they can apply immediately — and seeing the pride on their faces
when they succeed — is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
Choate: I'm especially proud of partnering with former student Sharon Guerrero — now a part-time
instructor — and The Ocean Corporation to bring the Iron Woman Competition to San
Jac. The event brought together 80 female welders of all experience levels from around
the world. I'm also proud of a sculpture my class fabricated with the culinary department
that's now a permanent installation in front of the Bistro.
Tyler: I'm proud of returning to San Jac to teach the program that launched my career. Seeing
students earn certifications, succeed in industry, and build real confidence — that's
what matters most.
Q: What does more than a decade at San Jac say about the career?
Choate: It speaks to the fact that this work genuinely matters. Once you experience the impact
this program has on students' lives, it's hard to walk away. More than 10 years later,
I'm still learning and still as passionate as the day I first struck an arc. That's
what we try to model for our students.
Q: What do you see for the future of the welding program?
Choate: More collaboration between departments, giving students real-world, hands-on opportunities.
It's not just about teaching students how to weld — it's about showing them how to
build a career.
Tyler: I want the program to keep growing and preparing students for real-world careers.
I hope we can inspire more women and underrepresented students to pursue welding,
while maintaining strong industry connections to ensure career readiness.
Q: Any final thoughts?
Choate: San Jac gave me more than an education. It gave me confidence, direction, and a sense
of belonging. Being able to offer that same experience to my students is something
I don't take lightly.
Tyler: San Jac gave me the tools, confidence, and opportunities I needed to succeed. Being
able to offer that same experience to my students — and help open doors for more people
in the community — is incredibly rewarding.
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
