Meet Michael Chandler, EnRich HVAC & Culinary Student
“I chose Richland because my daughter was accepted to the Prep Academy program, and she was nervous about if she could complete it. I told her as long as you do hard work and get good grades, you’ll be able to attend. And she said, ‘Well if I’m going to college, why wouldn’t you?’ I told her I’m a lot older. I haven’t been to school in 20+ years. And she said, ‘With hard work and with good grades, you can do it too.’”
After more than 20 years of working odd jobs, Michael Chandler made the decision to go back to college. But this time would be different. When Michael had just graduated high school, he had gone to a different community college. Then, he felt like nothing made him feel enough passion to keep him there. So, when Michael chose to go to Richland, he knew he needed to be passionate about his studies. That’s why he chose to study EnRich HVAC while taking Culinary classes.
“I love to cook. I love going out, eating, and trying new foods,” he said. “Chef Kalata made couscous salad, and I had never heard of it before. It’s a Mediterranean salad, which has every vitamin in the human body. And it just blew me away; I couldn’t believe that. So I tried it and stopped by Kroger on my way home. I just wanted to show the kids that we don’t need to eat McDonald’s, Hardees, and stuff. We can actually have great food.”
While he explores his passion for Culinary Arts, Michael is preparing for a career in HVAC. He had graduated from trade school when he was in his early twenties, but the school did not follow through on their promise to help with job placement. Michael said he knows that will not be the case with EnRich HVAC.
“With the EnRich program, they told me, ‘If you graduated today, we have something lined up for you already. But we need you to take the program, get certified, get your degree, and as soon as you get there, we’re there for you. We’re not going to push you out the door and say get a job. We’re there for you at least a year after you’ve graduated to make sure you have the right contacts that you need just to make you be better.’ And I love that Richland offers that. I’ve heard nothing but good things from everyone who has completed the program.”
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