Metallica Scholar: Determination is the best trait

As a recently named Metallica Scholar, industrial maintenance student David Hall feels a sense of pride in his accomplishment.

“It shows how far perseverance and dedication can take you,” he said.

Hall, a President’s Honor List student, was selected for the scholarship by Professor Jody Grey.

“David is a student you appreciate having. His work is neat and organized, and he’s usually the first one done,” Grey said. “He’s eager to learn and wants to do well.”

Hall first came to ECTC in fall 2024 because he knew that a larger university wasn’t for him. The college was close to his home, offered small class sizes and had the degree track that would prepare him to accomplish his career goals.

“I’ve worked in manufacturing before, so I could see that industrial maintenance offered variety,” he said. “It touches on robotics, pneumatics, PLCs, and more. Plus, it’s in high demand in this area.”

Industrial maintenance students learn to install, repair and maintain machinery used in wide array of industries and leave ECTC ready to enter a career field that is in high demand across the region and beyond.

Hall noted that his instructors helped him build momentum in the classroom.  

“Once I started, I wanted to keep going,” he said. “The instructors are very understanding and will work with your schedule. They just put me in the right mindset to continue.”

He credits his girlfriend, and the mother of his newborn daughter, with encouraging him to pursue his degree in the first place, but his determination has kept him moving forward.

“That’s one of the strongest traits you can have. There will always be people who think you’re not up to the task, but determination is the best trait to prove them wrong. If you want to try something, go for it. No one will be able to stop you if you put your mind to it.”

Since 2020, ECTC has been a part of the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative. In 2019, All Within My Hands, the non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, launched the initiative in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges. This academic year, the grant funds are being used to support ECTC students in advanced manufacturing programs, including eight $500 scholarships.

David Hall