Adult Education: The Pathway to Success!

Withlacoochee Technical College (WTC) is proud to share an adult education success story. 

When Michael Newsome was young, he was isolated and alone. Humor and loud antics at school were a cover for pain. Michael never felt a connection to his teachers. He got behind in school, resulting in him dropping out in the 10th grade.

After dropping out, Michael went to work earning less than $10 an hour. The work was hard, and he knew there would be a limit to what he would be able to earn. He eventually moved into his own place, barely surviving paycheck to paycheck.  He wasn’t getting ahead and need to make a change immediately.  That meant getting his diploma and gaining additional training. 

In January 2019, he enrolled in WTC’s GED® preparation program.  Michael hit his stride in the program, forging a bond with his instructor, Mrs. Pineau, that allowed him for the first time to feel like he was capable of succeeding academically. “She made me feel worthy,” he says. His time in GED® prep was one of self-knowledge and discovery. Michael originally considered aviation mechanics as a career choice, but didn’t want to relocate to Tampa to attend school.  He had the opportunity to spend a day in the Welding Technology program with instructors J. Shilling and David Sobol.  A friend was already enrolled, and it seemed interesting.  On that day, Michael sparked his first torch and was hooked.  

Things quickly came together. Michael earned his GED® credential in April 2019 and was ready to attend Welding Technology by August 2019.  Class started and the life lessons continued, but Michael didn’t always pay attention.  “I was still immature in a lot of ways, and didn’t always make the most of my opportunities,” Michael admits.  Even though his self-respect needed work, he developed great respect and admiration for his instructors and learned many aspects of the welding trade, gaining skills and knowledge along the way.  The program provided him with structure and accountability that had been lacking previously in his life.  Then, the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

Once the college went into initial shutdown in mid-March 2020, just months before graduation, Michael panicked. He thought, “I could lose everything. Not being able to go to school and practice my welding, it sent me into a tailspin.”  As soon as the college re-opened for seniors, Michael was there every minute he could be, practicing harder than ever before. He practiced rigging himself to every conceivable piece of equipment in the shop. He welded and welded and welded more. The hard work and renewed commitment paid off.  In May 2020, Michael graduated from WTC and was accepted into the Iron Worker’s Local 397. His apprenticeship, which will last four years, is an intense training program that prepares him to be a well-rounded Journeyman Ironworker. It’s not easy—there are classes and written assignments on OSHA regulations and safety awareness with due dates that he must complete, on top of working 12 hour days. Michael loves being an ironworker and is focused on being the best he possibly can be in the trade. His future goals include becoming a steward or foreman.

Michael’s advice to others: “Focus on the present, but don’t lose sight of the future. Everything I do is a test, so I am always prepared for it.”

Shown is Michael Newsome