MARSHALL—Kyle Hudgins of Sulphur Springs is motivated by waking up every day to do something new.
“I get ready to add to the knowledge I have already gained and get a better understanding of the work we do and how each component functions,” he said.
Hudgins is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in industrial systems electrical specialization at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus. Some of the topics he is learning about include basic electrical theory, hydraulics, industrial maintenance and pumps.
“This program is full of hands-on labs and instructors that genuinely want to see you excel,” he said. “If you don’t understand something, they are there to make sure you fully grasp the concept to the full extent.”
Hudgins likes the program, because it enables workers to be a jack-of-all trades in the workplace.
“It has endless limits; it is just up to you to fulfill them,” he said.
Edward Chaney, lead instructor in TSTC’s industrial systems program in Marshall, admired Hudgins’ resilience last spring when the campus shifted to a hybrid instructional format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He never griped or complained but instead used the opportunity to rise above,” Chaney said. “He was part of a group of a few students who joined together to meet and go over the online material before presenting their questions to me through Google Hangouts. He took everything in stride and adapted to the new delivery system. His adaptability is a testament to what a true technician needs to be.”
Hudgins is a graduate of Sulphur Springs High School. Before he came to TSTC, he was studying business accounting at another college and working as a bank teller.
“I quickly realized that sitting in an office all day wasn’t my cup of tea,” Hudgins said. “My neighbor had recently graduated from the industrial systems program at TSTC when I ran into him. He gave me a rundown of the classes he had taken and how much he liked it. The diversity of jobs you can get with this degree was exactly what I was looking for.”
After his scheduled graduation in December, Hudgins wants to work in the Sulphur Springs area, but, he said, he is keeping his job prospects open.
For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.