Well, it's official....I are a colledge stoodent :) (1 Viewer)

[Tim Hoover]

Most of you probably don't know that I, like quite a few others on this board, was laid-off from work. My company is outsourcing its production to a new plant in Brazil and quite a few of us were given the axe at the end of February. The positive thing to come out of this is that, due to NAFTA, the state is picking up the tab for continuing education. I'm returning to school full-time this summer to work on finishing my engineering BS, which I should've done a long time ago. Another nifty thing is that I can also draw unemployment for the first two years I'm in school..

This summer I actually have a yoga class for college credit!

 

[Mike Graham]

Welcome back!

What field of engineering are you studying? I just completed my second year of Electrical. While I was initially intimidated by the degree program, I've really grown to appreciate the science of EE and how its affected the world around us. Who can believe that school could be interesting!?

 

[Chu Gai]

You are now entitled to spring break

 

[Joe S]

Good luck with college. Great that you can finish your BS.

I went back to school in January under the Trade Adjustment Act program after over a year of unemployment. I already had a BSEE from 1974, but there were very few engineering jobs in my area. I had decided to study "Energy Systems Technology" which is Heating and Cooling and control systems.

Early last month, I got a call from one of the companies I had been talking to over the past year. They made me an offer I couldn't refuse, so I withdrew from classes and went back to work. I'm an outsourced Engineer at an aerospace company I had worked for in the 1980's. A lot of people I worked with back then had since retired (or gotten an early retirement package) and went back to work there as outsourced workers. I think there will be enough work to keep me busy, but I suppose there is some risk that the main military program I work on might get slashed at some point.

 

[Tim Hoover]

Mike - I'll be majoring in Mechanical Engineering. It seemed like the best fit for me, and MEs are in very high demand around this area...

Chu - Hell yeah! I've been on it now for almost 2 months

Joe - that's pretty cool. I'm tied into the TAA and TRA programs as well.

 

[Mike Graham]

Not to pry into personal/business matters Tim, but you're still allowed to draw unemployment for your first two years of university? In Canada, we have a similiar arrangment for colleges, but not for universities. Sounds like a great deal. Good luck!

 

[Casey Trowbridg]

Tim just wanted to wish you good luck going back to school.

Spring break rules. Unless it is spent in South Dakota, in which case you run the risk of being snowed in.

 

[Philip_G]

good luck!
that's a hell of a deal you're getting, beats the crap out of the 80k or so in student loans I have

 

[Brandon_S]

Tim,

Which school will you be attending? UK has a very good engineering program. The summer "sights" around campus aren't to shabby either...if you know what I mean

 

[Tim Hoover]

Mike, that is correct. I can still draw unemployment for two years no matter which educational institution I attend. Many of my fellow laid-off coworkers are returning to tech schools, but I have higher ambitions

Brandon, I'll be attending the UK engineering school located in Paducah that is attached to PCC. I remember those scantily-clad college girls from my previous university days, though. That's another perk of the yoga class I'm taking. Too bad my girlfriend would probably disagree...

Thanks everybody for the words of encouragement. I have a feeling I'm gonna need them in a few more years...

 

[Joe S]

The TAA/TRA programs allow you to collect while attending school for up to 2 years. There is also a Health Care Tax Credit if you are enrolled in a qualified Medical Insurance plan.

It's a great program for someone who doesn't have a degree.

My only regret in "dropping out" to take a job is missing the "Summer Sights" on campus.