Each member of WIT receives a bracelet that holds special significance.
The WIT bracelet is made of leather and steel. Because we are training for the workforce, it is important to understand the history of these two materials in order to understand the relevance to WIT.
Leather has been in use for thousands of years. The Egyptians were using leather in 5000 B.C. for sandals, gloves, saddles, and other military equipment. Today, leather is still used as a means of modern protection and remains a vital part of our culture. Leather represents something that is durable, but also incredibly adaptable that has stood the test of time. The leather of the bracelet is a reminder that our students must be durable and flexible. While things in life might not go as planned, our students can get through it with durability and flexibility.
Steel is a combination of iron, carbon, and small amounts of other elements. This mixture has also withstood the test of time. It revolutionized our country as we transitioned from wood to steel in the early 1800’s during the industrial revolution. It was used to build railroads, bridges, structures, and to improve shipping vessels. Steel continues to be used throughout our industrial world. It is designed to be strong, yet mold-able and adaptable. Made up of elements that by themselves are weak, when put together, they are strong. The steel of the bracelet is a reminder that our students also need to be mold-able. Alone, they may falter, but together, they are strong.