After graduating from Creswell High School in 1977, I continued my education at Martin Community College (MCC) where I received a diploma in Carpentry. I did well in my program, and the staff and faculty at MCC helped me locate a job at Robersonville Products Company. My employment there lasted for 13 years—the company then consolidated its facilities by closing the plant in Robersonville.

In 1998, I began work at Weyerhaeuser Paper Mill Company; the mill later changed its name to Domtar Paper Mill. I worked at that facility for 11 years. In 2009, Domtar downsized and, unfortunately, I was laid off again. I looked for work for over a year without success due to the economic downturn. I decided this would be a perfect time for me to upgrade my skills. That decision landed me back at MCC, the place where I began my career. I enrolled in classes in 2010, and I am pursuing a degree in Electrical/Electronics Technology. I believe the education that gave me success once before can do it once again.