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Kimyatta, 31, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, moved to Houston about 12 years ago. Kimyatta graduated from the seven-month Refrigeration Technologies program at Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center in Houston in December 2023.
Thanks for sharing your story, Kimyatta. What did you do before coming to trade school?
Before Tulsa Welding School, I went to a regular college for psychology, and then I had a baby, so I put that program on hold. Then I started working in the maintenance field. This June will be five years working for the Metro Transit Authority here in Houston.
Where did the idea of going to a trade school like TWSTC come from?
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Well, I was mostly cleaning, doing “duties as assigned” as the job said, putting up posters, or flagging for a train. After four years or so, I told my girlfriend that I wanted a change of scene, to do something different. So, the choice was between getting a trade or going back to college. So, I chose to do a trade.
Okay, that’s cool – what made you choose the Refrigeration Technologies program?
At first, I thought about welding, but I didn’t want to do a nine-month program, so I looked into HVAC. I thought that HVAC as a trade is perfect for Houston’s weather because it’s always hot. Air conditioners can freeze because they’ve been running too long, they aways go out. I thought it would be the perfect industry for me to get into – and it’s only a seven-month program.
So, how did you discover Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center?
First, I did some digging around on Google, looking up different trades. Then I ran across Tulsa Welding School. I read comments, I read some of the graduate interviews like the one I’m doing now. I don’t know, something in my heart just told me to go with this school.
Perfect, that’s why we do these interviews! What did you enjoy most about your time at TWSTC?
Honestly, I enjoyed the hands-on activities and the teachers, they were the people that kept me going. The school was always welcoming when you came in. The staff were friendly, nice, and everybody was really helpful. It was like reconnecting with distant family that you don’t see every day.
Did have difficult days, or did the program come easy to you?
I want to say, honestly, for the first three months it came easy to me. Month four…I did not want to go, I had to force myself. By month five, I’d just tell my girlfriend, “No, I don’t want to go, I can’t, I’m not feeling it today.” Honestly, in month five I stopped going to school but would do the work at home using the VR unit for at-home learning and watching YouTube videos. Month six, I was going to school, but I just didn’t want to go, but I forced myself. Then month seven, the month I was graduating, I went every day because I had to make it through the program. I was happy I made it through, I’d stuck it out even through my bad days and not wanting to go.
That sounds like a struggle. What made you not quit? Friends, family, teachers, stubbornness?
The first reason is my 10-year-old son, I needed to fight through for him. He is so happy that I finished the program. He thinks trade school is college. So, he’s like, “You graduated college!” The second reason was my girlfriend, she was my biggest supporter. My mom supported me too. My family have always supported me. Then it was the teachers. They would ask me if I was okay, how was I doing? What’s going on? Is there anything they could do to help me? That reassured me that the path that I’d chosen was a good one, and that I shouldn’t give up because I had got so far. So, the teachers were my biggest support system while I was at school, and my family was my biggest support system at home.
Where are you working?
I’m still working for Metro, but I’m waiting to switch over to HVAC full-time. I’m waiting for summer for my son to get out of school because my hours have been changed. But I already help in the field, so I’m basically the main HVAC guy’s assistant. I do utility work now. I’m a utility worker, not a maintenance worker.
Congratulations – Does that come with a pay raise?
Yes, it comes with a pay raise, so I’ll go from making $20/hour to $30/hour.
Sweet! That’s quite the bump! What’s your career plan from here?
My plan is to stay with Metro, but also have my own little company on the side. I’m going to say realistically, two to five years will give me enough time to build my experience before I start the company. I don’t want to rush the experience, because sometimes when you rush things, it can fall apart. So, I want to give myself time to learn it to an expert level. Tulsa got me ready, but it’s time for me to learn to be an expert in it.
Would your company do residential service work?
Actually, I prefer commercial work, but I want a business where I can service residential and commercial.
What do you enjoy most about your trade?
The troubleshooting, and fixing things when they’re broken. I enjoy learning about the different types of air conditioning units. I enjoy everything really, like trying to figure out different ways to fix something.
Did you make some connections in school? People you’ll stay in touch with.
I met two friends, but I haven’t really stayed in touch. I don’t really text them often because I’m mostly at work and Texas just had a big rodeo, so I was working weird hours. I really made the best connection with the teachers. I like to be by myself.
What advice do you have for students to be successful at Tulsa Welding School?
When you come, give it your all. Don’t let anything stop you. You might be at point A right now, but point Z is so much better. It is better on the other side of the rainbow. Most people say the grass is not greener, but if you finish the program and learn all this stuff, the grass is most definitely greener on the other side!
So, you think going to trade school was the right decision, rather than going back to college?
It’s most definitely the best decision I’ve made.
If you’re a TWS graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email [email protected] to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year), program, and campus name (Tulsa/Jacksonville/Houston/Dallas).
