What factors contributed to your decision to choose a nontraditional career?
I read an article in the Post & Courier about a female environmental engineer. She was saying what a wonderful field it is to work in and that her father had also been an environmental engineer, who had opened his own laboratory. Not two weeks later, I saw an ad in the newspaper about the program at Trident Technical College. I called Mike Reed, head of the Environmental Technology Department, and went to see him. After speaking with him, I realized what a wonderful opportunity it would be to enroll in this program. He also told me about Claire O'Neill and Project Assist.
What is exciting about your career choice?
There are so many reasons to be excited about my career choice. For starters, the job market is open to many different types of job and this area of South Carolina has more positions than they can fill. You can work for the government, the state, the city, OSHA, DHEC or any industrial facility. You could also work for utility companies, water plants, water sewage treatment plants or the Ports Authority.The jobs opportunities are endless. All these companies need trained people to test the air, water or soil to make sure the workplace environment is safe for people.
What do you find challenging about your program of study?
This program of study is so exciting because the things you learn about are all around you. They are things you never stop to think about until there is a problem. For example, water being clean enough to drink or the air being safe to breathe. I learn new things everyday and it all has to do with keeping our environment safe.We are the people who are making our planet safe for the next generation.
What has your experience at Trident Technical College been like?
My experience at Trident Technical College has been great so far. I want to thank Mr. Reed for all he has taught me. He's also the one who told me about Project Assist. I can't thank Claire O'Neill enough for all her support, wisdom and for helping me through this program. Everyone at Project Assist has been great! I only wish I had known about this program earlier. So, please, tell everyone you know, I know I do!
