Reynaldo's Success Story I Herimston, OR
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Prior to entering the OHDC program, I had worked several temporary jobs in fields or food processing plants to make money to help my family. I had also started the process of earning my HVAC certificate through Perry Technical Institute. I was being helped financially through FAFSA but that was not enough to cover my tuition costs and living expenses.
My first goal was to graduate from Perry Technical Institute and learn as much as I could. I am the first in my family to attend college and while they supported me there wasn’t any money left over to help with school costs. I had to find financial support elsewhere. I knew reaching my goal was not going to be easy but when I found OHDC I knew it was going to be possible. My mother is a single mom of 4 kids and was unable to help me financially with my education, she works seasonal jobs and is unemployed for a few months every year. Her salary goes to paying for our basic needs like rent, utilities, and groceries. OHDC’s assistance in tuition really made it possible to complete my HVAC training. |
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With the aid of OHDC we worked together to create my resume that helped me start my professional career as an HVAC technician. They also assisted me in making a portfolio which allowed me to showcase all of my accomplishments to potential employers in a professional fashion. Because of these tools I was able to get my first job with a local heating and air conditioning company located in Hermiston. There are many elements that influenced my path towards graduating from a trade school.
I am employed by a local HVAC company in Hermiston, Oregon and I plan to stay in this company as long as I can. But, in the future I would like to start my own HVAC business. I would also like to pursue a higher degree that will be related to HVAC and business.
My advice for people who are starting the program is to find outside help as well. For example, the employees in OHDC advised and helped me apply for outside scholarships. I also encourage people to stay on track in school and do the best they can.
I am thankful for all the support I received, my family, all my instructors at Perry Tech, and for the employees in OHDC. I was able to achieve my goal with the help of all the people who believed in me and pushed me to succeed in life.
I am employed by a local HVAC company in Hermiston, Oregon and I plan to stay in this company as long as I can. But, in the future I would like to start my own HVAC business. I would also like to pursue a higher degree that will be related to HVAC and business.
My advice for people who are starting the program is to find outside help as well. For example, the employees in OHDC advised and helped me apply for outside scholarships. I also encourage people to stay on track in school and do the best they can.
I am thankful for all the support I received, my family, all my instructors at Perry Tech, and for the employees in OHDC. I was able to achieve my goal with the help of all the people who believed in me and pushed me to succeed in life.