Sparks flying and the rhythm of a sledgehammer pounding are helping a Pharr U.S. Army veteran live out her dream.

Naomi Rios, 56, is proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She’s currently a student at South Texas College’s welding program in McAllen, and is set to graduate in December.

Rios said she’s wanted to be a welder since she was in high school, but she never got the opportunity to pursue that dream.

“They said, ‘you don't need those classes. You need to learn how to cook,’” Rio said.

Rios left her welding dream behind and eventually joined the U.S. Army.

While stationed overseas with her husband, she took her shot at welding again and even made it to the front page of a military newspaper.

After returning to the U.S., Rios’ dream was set aside again to take c

See Full Page