Daughters' joy behind Metallica Scholar's success

Earning the title of Metallica Scholar was a surprise to ECTC industrial maintenance student Dangelo Parker.

“I know now that my teachers look at me and see my hard work and dedication to learn more about the industry,” he said. “It feels really good.”

Assistant Professor of Electrical Technology Dylan Barnes selected Parker as a Metallica Scholar.

“Dangelo is hardworking,” Barnes said. “He’s working full time and going to school full time and sacrificing time with family to finish his degree.”

Parker left school at 16 and didn’t enter the workforce until his late 20s, earning his GED right before starting his studies at ECTC. He is a father of three daughters, ages 11, 3 and 1, and said they help him keep going through the long days and hard work.

“I know they need a positive male figure in their lives, and when I look at them and see their joy, it motivates me,” he said. “I’ve had to retrain myself on how to learn because the brain is a muscle, and if you’re not used to using it that way it can be difficult to come back.”

ECTC offers a convenient, affordable education with instructors who provide practical knowledge, he said.

“It’s a really good environment for people who want to learn,” he said. “The instructors have worked in the industry, so they give you all the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.”