Proudest moment this week

I teach 3 Intro to Metals classes. The purpose of the class is to get the students familiar with all the equipment of a metal shop and be able to operate. I have a strong section on welding and require the students to perform several welds for a grade. These classes are large and my ability to focus on a single student for any significant amount of time is not possible.
One student just could not run even the easiest of the rods. He just kept trying but could not get it. I had two seniors work with him on and off for a week and still no luck.
I finally had a chance to work with him and we spent about 20 minutes trying. It was clear to me this student had some sort of a mental block with this particular type of stick welding.
I switched gears and told the student that I would give him a good grade for his outstanding effort and that I was more concerned about the ability to try than a good weld.
The student stayed with it and 2 days later asked me to watch while he ran a very decent weld.
Turns out he was also practicing after school at a friends house who had a welder.
Nothing like commitment in a student to make you feel proud.