Altwond Andrews of Kinston dropped out of high school before walking across the stage to earn his diploma, but years later he wanted to make good on a promise he made to his parents to return to school. And he did.

Andrews headed to Lenoir Community College where he said, “I heard they had a great diploma program along with a great staff that were dedicated to their students’ academic success.”

He said he decided to go back to school not only to make good on his promise to his parents, but because he realized he needed an education to advance in the workplace. “I am forever grateful for my past employment, but after 17 years of no advancements and sometimes two or three years without a pay increase, I came to realize that (a lack of education) was holding me back,” he said.

“Without an education, I couldn’t advance. Without an education I had to accept what pay was given. I was spinning tires, literally going nowhere within this company,” Andrews said. “One day, tired of complaining with little to no results, I decided to pay LCC a visit mid-October 2019.”

By mid-December 2019 at the age of 43, he had passed all the required tests to receive his GED. “I really felt good about this accomplishment at my age, so good that I signed up for a production tech certificate. Unfortunately, the class was canceled and in March 2020 my job closed its doors indefinitely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Andrews was determined and he was introduced to Computer-Integrated Machining. “I was intrigued enough to pursue an associate degree in that field. No one knows what the future holds, but it seems like I was being prepared for the upcoming world changing event,” he said. “Perseverance has been the word of the week for the past few years.”

Now at 45, Andrews said he chose Computer-Integrated Machining because he believes it is the future. “This industry offers a plethora of career and job opportunities. It is so much to learn, and I really love to learn and challenge myself,” he said. “I love to work with my hands and discover different ways to produce precise machined parts and projects. In five years, I will hopefully be established in a prominent company that can showcase my machining skills and recognize my experience as well as my drive to be the best I can be.”

Andrews said proudly that his motivation is his children. “My son just earned his bachelor’s degree in communication at Fayetteville State, my oldest daughter is an upcoming junior at Winston-Salem State University, and my baby girl will earn her associate degree in the health field upon graduating high school next year through LCC,” he said. “My kids are my inspiration and motivation.”

The best advice Andrews can give to others is to “never sell yourself short. I wish I could be an inspiration to at least one person who thinks they can’t do it or it’s too hard or they don’t have time,” he said. “Even if it’s not this career path, I encourage anyone to go back to school and make that change. It’s definitely an indescribable feeling if you had any doubts.”