Kalei Johnson’s path to Craven Community College didn’t follow a traditional timeline, but it led him exactly where he was meant to be.
After 17 years of service in the United States Coast Guard, Kalei made the decision to step into a completely new environment: the college classroom. Entering in his late 30s, he admits he was unsure how he would fit in.
“What I was most nervous about was my age,” he said. “I didn’t know if I’d be able to relate to my classmates.”
It didn’t take long for those concerns to fade. Within the Welding Technology program, Kalei found something familiar—a sense of camaraderie that reminded him of his time in the service.
“The students in the welding program felt like home to me.”
That sense of belonging helped fuel his success in a demanding program. Drawn to welding for both its practical purpose and creative potential, Kalei embraced the opportunity to build something meaningful—both structurally and artistically.
With encouragement from his instructors, he took his skills even further by competing in SkillsUSA. What started as a new challenge quickly turned into a major accomplishment: Kalei earned first place in the North Carolina SkillsUSA welding sculpture competition and is now preparing to compete on the national stage in Atlanta.
As he prepares to graduate this May with his Associate in Applied Science in Welding Technology, Kalei reflects on what the moment represents.
“It’s going to be one of complete accomplishment,” he says. “I didn’t go to college right after high school, but to be here now, it’s like I got a golden ticket.”
For Kalei, that accomplishment is about more than personal success—it’s about setting an example. His children have been his motivation through every challenge, pushing him to keep going and finish what he started.
His message to others who may feel out of place in college is simple:
“Think again. You will find your people.”