Metallica Scholar is on the right path at
I had such a feeling of accomplishment in being named a Metallica Scholar, said industrial maintenance student Roland Oakes. It feels like my efforts were finally being recognized and lets me know Im aiming in the right direction.
He took a circuitous route in his career, joining the navy right out of high school to work as an aviation machinist, then working in fields like truck driving and construction. A husband of 26 years, father of two and grandfather to one, he finally feels like hes on the right path.
I was tired of not having a good career and needed to be settled into something stable, he said. Thats what led to me coming back to school.
Oakes first stint back in college was in the early 2000s, studying off and on and trying different degree paths before setting on industrial maintenance.
I finally had to really look within myself to see what fit, and I think I got it right, he said. When I came to school this time it wasnt a struggle. Ive earned a scholarship and my GPA is higher than its been at any other point Ive been in school.
Metallica Scholars students are selected by their professors for their work in the classroom and their dedication to their studies.
Roland is very enthusiastic about his education, said Willie Weakley, industrial maintenance program coordinator for s Springfield Campus. That, with his involvement in the Phi Theta Kappa honors society and s Student Government Association, shows he exemplifies what it means to be an student.
Oakes, who studies at s Springfield campus, felt like hed find his place as soon as he visited the college. The environment was very warm and welcoming, and the faculty and staff feel like friends, he said.
goes above and beyond. Everyone is always willing to help when you need it and provide the best guidance, whether its on their own personal time or on school time, more so than what Ive seen at other schools, he said.
Oakes is working as an electrical and instrumentation technician and plans to continue that career path after graduating.
will do whatever they can to get you where you want to be, he said. Theyll give you the tools to get it done.
Metallica Scholar Roland Oakes