Why wait until graduation to chase your dreams? Through Saint Paul College’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), high school students, like James Wallek, earn college credits for free and turn their passions into real-world skills while still working toward their high school diploma.

Out of the Classroom, Into the Welding Shop

James Wallek’s journey started before high school, when a friend’s mom, an SPC employee, suggested he try the Advanced Manufacturing Camp. Restless and wanting to work with his hands, James attended the camp and immediately connected with Kiara O’Reilly, a College Partnership Advisor. With Kiara’s encouragement, James enrolled in SPC’s Welding Technology Program through PSEO for his senior year of high school. Now out of high school, he’s going to complete his welding technology diploma with one more semester and plans to dive even deeper into his dual passions. Here’s James’ reflection on his time at SPC so far:

A big part of this for me, and I think for most students, is the sense of accomplishment when you’re done.

James Wallek

Welding Student

Pure Focus and Grit: Building a Career

James is a Ninja Warrior competitor whose love for challenge began with climbing soccer goals as a kid. By 14, he was training and working at a local ninja gym, building wood obstacles in his garage, and dedicating himself to the sport, eventually going pro after years of hard work. The Welding Technology Program was the perfect addition to his current skill set. Now, James uses his welding skills to design and build custom metal obstacles for ninja training, which blends his creativity, skills, and determination.

After graduation, James plans to work at the gym and in a welding shop, using connections from his father, SPC, and PSEO. His ultimate goal? Open his own ninja gym filled with obstacles he’s dreamed up and built himself. James is one example of how SPC’s PSEO program helps students turn passion into a career. Watch the video below to see James’s Ninja Warrior skills in action.

Person in a blue T-shirt and backward blue cap navigating an indoor ninja obstacle course. The person grips a hanging rope with one hand and reaches upward toward a suspended obstacle with the other. Red and blue metal obstacle structures frame the scene, and a smartwatch is visible on one wrist. The background is softly blurred, showing additional gym equipment and signage.

Want to see more of James in action? Watch his Ninja Warrior skills on YouTube. Also catch him competing live at the Obstacle Sports Expo, July 11–16, in Pennsylvania.