Crystal Lopez Says Dual Enrollment, Welding Instructors Paved Way to College
Press Release
Date: October 30, 2024
Contact: lgarrett@tctc.edu
By Lisa Garrett
Crystal Lopez Says Dual Enrollment, Welding Instructors Paved Way to College
PENDLETON --- Until she reached her senior year in high school, college was never part of the equation or the conversation for Crystal Lopez.
She had aspirations about opening her own business and wanted to pursue a degree, but the reality of college was uncertain for her and her three younger siblings. “My mother earned her GED and my father graduated from high school, but they didn’t talk to us about college,” she said.
Her grades were excellent – she was an honor student - but finances would be a huge barrier, she said. No one in her family had ever gone to college so it seemed like an impossibility. But it also remained a dream and a goal.
It became a reality when she learned about the Technical Career Pathways (TCP) program.
Workforce development is just one of the many advantages of the program that since its inception in the 2013-2014 academic year has provided high school students with a clear path to a debt-free education that prepares them for careers in manufacturing.
TCP is offered in partnership with local school districts. Classes are taught by college faculty at the high schools, career centers, or a Tri-County campus that is adjacent to a career center, thereby allowing students to use district-provided transportation if needed.
TCP is free because tuition and related expenses, such as books and fees, are fully funded by the state. The program enables students to transfer seamlessly into the workforce or into an associate degree program after high school.
“Many students served through TCP may never have considered attending college, much less beginning college while in high school. But these pathways have broken down barriers and made a college education possible,” said Tri-County Technical College President Galen DeHay. “TCP is effective because—like all of our dual enrollment offerings—it is accessible, affordable, transferable and supportive.”
Lopez was amazed when her friend, who was taking welding classes at the Anderson Institute of Technology, talked about constructing a grill as a class project and later cooking on it. “I wanted to give that a try. It was too cool to pass up,” said Lopez, who talked to her guidance counselor about her interest in welding. He suggested she look into dual enrollment at TCTC, emphasizing that it is an opportunity to check out welding at no cost.
“Initially my mother was skeptical,” said Lopez. “She said nothing is free, there has to be a catch. But we discovered there is no catch, just educational opportunities.”
By the time Lopez entered her senior year at Pendleton High School, she had devised a plan. She enrolled in two high school classes each semester while attending a TCTC Welding class four days a week and participating in ROTC and two sports, wrestling and track and field. The first day of class, instructors gave a tour of the Industrial Technology Center. “I was astonished at the welding labs. I immediately got excited about the program. And when I experienced the hands-on learning, it got even better,” she said.
“Dual enrollment classes gave me an opportunity to try a new skill at no cost. I lost nothing and gained skills and a love for welding,” Lopez said.
She entered TCTC this fall with a LIFE scholarship and college credits.
“I’ve not regretted my choice, not once. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself. I’m also setting an example for my siblings,” said Lopez, adding that her sister will enter TCTC’s Dental Assisting program next spring.
“My parents are proud that I was in college and high school at the same time and getting things done. My high school graduation was a big deal, but my college graduation will be an even bigger event since I will be the first in my family to graduate,” she said.
It’s one of her dreams to travel the world, so she is contemplating entering the military after graduating from TCTC. She learned from TCTC instructor Dakota Phillips, a U.S. Air Force veteran and TCTC Welding alumnus, about the varied opportunities and career choices that come with a Welding degree. “I talked to her about female welding graduates and their successes. The sky is the limit if you work hard,” said Phillips.
Lopez attributes her success to Phillips and Michael Link, adjunct welding instructor and a 2012 alumnus of the TCTC welding program, who owns his own welding shop in Pendleton.
“She is by far the most driven student I have taught in the last two years,” said Link. “Anything she puts her mind to she goes above and beyond. She is a hard worker and dedicated and has proven to be the star student in my classes.”
“Crystal is an ideal welding student. What sets her apart is her maturity, her focus and how seriously she takes her education. She takes pride in her work and strives to be the best welder in the class. Don’t let her size fool you, she can weld with the best of them. Her attention to detail and overall attitude will make her successful in anything she chooses to do,” added Phillips.
“Dakota and Link are role models for me. They are good hands-on instructors who are encouraging and they have good stories about their careers. They are more than instructors; they are mentors. They guide me and lead me so I haven’t had to do this on my own. I go to them for advice, questions, and they always have a solution. They talk about my many options in the field of welding. They keep me on course. Saying thank you to them isn’t enough. I have a lot of gratitude.”
About Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College, a public two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, enrolls more than 9,000 students annually and offers more than 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, business administration, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. Tri-County boasts the highest student success rate among two-year colleges in the state and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities. To learn more, visit tctc.edu.
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