I didn’t always know what career path I wanted to take, but I knew I needed a strong foundation to get there. Bevill State Community College gave me that foundation—first as a student and now as an instructor. My journey is a testament to how Alabama’s community colleges are the workforce solution for our state, equipping students with real-world skills and direct pathways into high-demand careers.
I first stepped onto Bevill State’s Fayette Campus as a kid attending Bevill Kids College around 2004-2005. Even then, I was drawn to hands-on learning experiences. Fast forward to high school, and I took advantage of dual enrollment courses around 2014-2015, which gave me an early introduction to college-level coursework while earning credits toward my degree. My senior year, I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa and received the Ambassador Scholarship, which allowed me to continue my education at Bevill State.
Like many students, I didn’t find my perfect fit right away. I started in Electrical Systems Technology (E.L.T.) in Fall 2016, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the right field for me. In Spring 2017, I switched to welding, and everything changed. I thrived in the program, even making the President’s List that summer. Bevill State’s hands-on training, skilled instructors, and strong industry connections gave me the confidence and knowledge to enter the workforce prepared.
My first job was at Fayette Fab, a local company that serves on Bevill State’s advisory board, bridging education and industry. From there, I transitioned to Lavender Inc., now a registered apprenticeship partner with Bevill State and the State of Alabama. This partnership is proof of how community colleges connect students directly with high-paying careers, ensuring Alabama’s workforce stays strong and competitive.
After gaining industry experience, I wanted to give back. Today, I teach welding for Bevill State at the Pickens County College & Career Center, helping train the next generation of skilled workers. When I started, the program had about 30 students and only a couple of dual enrollment classes. Now, enrollment has nearly tripled, and we offer an associate degree pathway, providing students even more opportunities to enter the workforce well-prepared. Seeing students develop their skills and step into successful careers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Career and technical education changed my life, and I see it changing lives every day. Whether you’re a high school student considering dual enrollment, someone looking for a fresh start, or an employer seeking a well-trained workforce, your local community college can help you take that next step. The resources, training, and career pathways are there—you just have to take advantage of them.
