A Love for Learning, A Passion for Creating

The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision, those are the words of American author Hellen Keller. Her words resonate now more than ever, especially in a world where screens and notifications often steal our attention.

Step into the Welding shop at Tulsa Tech’s Broken Arrow Campus, and look past the sparks, you’ll connect with a one-of-a-kind student, Hemi Skywind.

“I am from the Arctic Circle in Iceland,” he said. “This is my fifth Tulsa Tech program.”

Already a graduate of the Motorcycle and Power Equipment, Collision Repair, Collision Refinishing and Barbering programs, he is now in his second year of the Welding program. Each has been a step on his path toward fulfilling his passion.

“When I retire, I’m going full-on into my hobby of building motorcycles and rat rods,” he said with a chuckle.

So how does an Icelander end up in Oklahoma? Well to know Hemi is to know there is a story that only he could tell.

“My wife is American, and we moved to Austin, Texas in 2015. A year later, we did one of those DNA tests and found out I had a cousin in Claremore,” he said. “A few years after that, we moved here, and now I’m an American citizen. Born an Icelander, but I’ll die an Okie.”

That Oklahoma grit keeps Hemi moving forward, always learning. A barber by trade, he’s set his sights on retirement.

“I am at 45 years (into my career) and once I reach half a century, I am going to call it quits, hang up my clippers, and dig into my hobby,” he said with a grin.

What does Tulsa Tech mean to him? That answer comes without hesitation.

“Tulsa Tech is friggin’ awesome,” he said. “I love to build stuff, and with what I’ve learned here, I’m confident to show it off.”

Hemi’s journey proves that it’s never too late to pick up new skills. His advice?

“I’m living proof you can teach an old dog new tricks.”

So, if you’re ready to learn something new, follow Hemi’s lead. Passion, vision, and a willingness to grow can take you anywhere—even from the Arctic Circle all the way to Oklahoma.