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Student Profiles

	Frances Newton - Mechatronics and Industrial Maintenance First year--$1,500 New Student Scholar recipient Being the only woman in a class of 20 males doesn’t seem to phase Frances Newton one bit. In fact, she says it does just the opposite, and she feels more confident in herself because she knows she can do the work just as well. “I actually like being one of the few women in the class. I chose this program because I have been doing similar work for a long time and I enjoy it,” said Frances. “I like hands-on work and enjoy learning how to repair and replace equipment, and I like the shop floor environment.” “My instructors are very respectful, and I don’t feel like I’m singled out because I’m female. As a matter of fact, two of the other students are still in high school. Since they have very little working experience but they know that I do, they asked to have me in their group so I could help them.” Frances has worked with engineers and maintenance technicians in some high-tech industries. “They were my mentors and that’s where I learned to enjoy this type of work. Women should not be intimidated by the men or the machinery. Instead they should think of being in the minority as giving you an edge over the rest of the guys.”
Johnny Evans - Medical Assistant I have been a mill worker, doing mostly physical work, most of my adult life. I got tired of the ups and downs of the industry; with layoffs and never sure if you would get to come back to work. I decided to find a career that would provide stability and some job security. I like working with people, and had volunteered at the boys and girls club in the past and enjoyed that. I did a lot of research and I spoke with friends in the medical field before making my decision. I thought this would be something I would enjoy and a good place to get started. I would like to eventually become a registered nurse.
	Alicia Yoder - Engineering Transfer-LBCC Engineering/Construction Management-OSU LBCC/OSU Degree Partnership Program student I’ve always been interested in building things. I actually started out wanting to be an architect, but then realized it wouldn’t be so much hands-on as I would like. Construction was my next choice, but while I was in the service I got hurt and decided that was out. After leaving the service, I found out about a program for project management. I thought that sounded like a good fit. I had interned with a company doing civil engineering work and really enjoyed that. I am currently working towards becoming a construction-engineering manager, which is sort of a liaison between the owner of the company and the construction workers. My degree at LBCC is in Engineering, and I plan to transfer to OSU to complete my engineering and construction management degree.
Amy Payne - Welding Technician I always liked hands-on tinkering, and I wanted to find a job that allowed me to use my hands, be creative, and make good money. I didn’t want to be a housewife or do anything traditional like that. I had taken a couple of welding classes in high school and really liked it, so I thought that would be a good career choice for me. I have never felt intimidated by my male classmates. I think more females should get into welding. There were two girls in my high school class and there is only one other female in my welding class in college. Welding is actually fun and you can meet interesting people. You also learn something new everyday, which makes it interesting, and you end up getting paid well.