Single Father Finds His Future With Help From Pima
Fernando Romero was uncertain about going to college after graduating High School more than 20 years ago. Pima Community College gave Fernando a brighter future.
By Justin Kree, External Relations
High School was never something Fernando Romero was particularly fond of growing up. Working low paying jobs and never having a career, he watched the years pass by and gave up on the idea of going to college.
“I haven’t been to school in 23 years, since I graduated in 2000. School now from then is way different. There was anxiety, and fear about learning a new way,” Romero said.
When the new PCC Advanced Manufacturing building opened last year, Fernando took a leap of faith.He decided to enroll in PimaFastTrack for his future and for his family. He realized the learning process works well with his busy schedule and he has no anxiety or fear.
“You have instructors, but they aren’t standing in front of 30 students teaching a class. It’s not like that at all. Here, you learn as you go, at your pace. Which is great for people like me being a single parent.”
“You have instructors, but they aren’t standing in front of 30 students teaching a class. It’s not like that at all. Here, you learn as you go, at your pace. Which is great for people like me being a single parent,” Romero said.
Ferando likes the evening classes the best. During the mornings he takes care of his son, not leaving much time for school. The evening’s flexible schedule that PCC offers makes it beneficial for him and his path to completion. A decision he’s glad he made.
“I’m very proud of myself and happy. I love to work on cars. I’ve been doing that since I was 13. Now I’m going to be doing something I love to do for a job, instead of something I have to do to get money,” Romero said.
His goal originally was just to take a few classes at PCC to get certified in auto mechanics, but PCC instructors motivated Fernando to continue on and to go after his Associates Degree to where more doors will open up for him.
“This program is state-of-the-art which isn’t something Tucson ever had before. Pima Community College always had a program, but now it’s big with 30 some bays to do work on 70 some cars. Everything you need to learn about a vehicle, they will teach you. From old cars to the new hybrids and electric cars. Everything is there. I was amazed,” Romero said.
Ferando will graduate in May with an Associate degree and already is applying for jobs in auto mechanics that he could never apply to before.
Upskill at any stage in your life
Returning to college was daunting for Fernando Romero, a single father. But with some persistence and the support of his instructors he's ready to graduate with new skills.
Find a program to fit your needs.