One night, as he was watching his two children play, LeShawn Lee knew he had to break the cycle. He, just like his dad, had not graduated high school.
“I do not want them to go down this path,” Lee recalled thinking. “So, literally, I decided to just go take the GED test. I signed up for it, no studying – just went on a whim – and passed.”
Fast-forward to today and Lee is now a college graduate. He finished Dallas College’s Welding Technology associate degree program in December and will walk the coveted graduation stage in May.
It’s been quite the journey for Lee, who grew up in the Chicago area before relocating to Dallas. He crossed paths with Dallas College professor Elgrie Hurd in a “dad’s group.” Hurd encouraged Lee to consider pursuing a higher education degree, and Lee followed through. It’s been an inspirational story since as he’s bettered himself and his family’s life.
“Dallas College prides itself on being a ‘college that works for you,'” Hurd said. “When college is not part of your family’s experiences, it’s easy not to see how college is a real possibility. As a community college professor, I come across students who are diamonds in the rough, but they don’t see it themselves.
“When I learned what Shawn overcame, I was obligated to encourage him to give college a try. He made you want to carry the mantle of believing in him until he believed in himself.”
Why Welding?
Lee has always enjoyed the artistic things in life. He grew up playing the French horn and baritone, and he wanted to pursue a career where he could still showcase his artistic flare.
Welding provided that opportunity.
“My instructor, Matt Arnold, describes it perfectly: with HVAC and plumbing and things like that, you kind of get a book, read it, and figure things out. Welding isn’t that way,” he said. “It has to be in you. Like I said, it’s more of the artistic side. I can look at something and think, ‘Where do I start? How do I get there?’
“I love that part – you’re able to build with your hands and see what you can do.”
Welding has become one of the most popular programs at Dallas College as it prepares students such as Lee for a career in an in-demand field. The manufacturing industry alone employs more than 12 million people, and Texas Workforce Commission projected a 4.3% job growth increase in welders and solders through 2024.
Lee already has a job with TDIndustries and his degree will help him advance further. He has no regrets about attending Dallas College.
“Being a full-time dad and a full-time worker, my instructors have been super patient with me,” he said. “Even the afternoon instructor I had helped me out because of my overnight work schedule.”
Why Dallas College?
Count Lee among the many who vouch for Dallas College and the seamless process to earn a higher education degree. After all, this is someone who didn’t graduate high school or grow up in the area but managed to earn a degree.
“The process was super easy – it’s not difficult at all,” Lee said. “Everyone is helpful, from the success coaches to financial aid. They’re very accommodating.
“I’d honestly say this is the perfect place. You can get great education without putting yourself in a huge financial hole.”
