Metallica Scholar is on the right path at ECTC

“I had such a feeling of accomplishment in being named a Metallica Scholar,” said industrial maintenance student Roland Oakes. “It feels like my efforts were finally being recognized and lets me know I’m aiming in the right direction.” 

He took a circuitous route in his career, joining the navy right out of high school to work as an aviation machinist, then working in fields like truck driving and construction. A husband of 26 years, father of two and grandfather to one, he finally feels like he’s on the right path.

“I was tired of not having a good career and needed to be settled into something stable,” he said. “That’s what led to me coming back to school.”

Oakes’ first stint back in college was in the early 2000s, studying off and on and trying different degree paths before setting on industrial maintenance.

“I finally had to really look within myself to see what fit, and I think I got it right,” he said. “When I came to school this time it wasn’t a struggle. I’ve earned a scholarship and my GPA is higher than it’s been at any other point I’ve been in school.”  

Metallica Scholars students are selected by their professors for their work in the classroom and their dedication to their studies.

“Roland is very enthusiastic about his education,” said Willie Weakley, industrial maintenance program coordinator for ECTC’s Springfield Campus. “That, with his involvement in the Phi Theta Kappa honors society and ECTC’s Student Government Association, shows he exemplifies what it means to be an ECTC student.”

Oakes, who studies at ECTC’s Springfield campus, felt like he’d find his place as soon as he visited the college. The environment was very warm and welcoming, and the faculty and staff feel like friends, he said.

“ECTC goes above and beyond. Everyone is always willing to help when you need it and provide the best guidance, whether it’s on their own personal time or on school time, more so than what I’ve seen at other schools,” he said.  

Oakes is working as an electrical and instrumentation technician and plans to continue that career path after graduating.

“ECTC will do whatever they can to get you where you want to be,” he said. They’ll give you the tools to get it done.” 

Metallica Scholar Roland Oakes