Sacrificing Now For a Brighter Tomorrow

Sacrifice can be defined as “the forfeiture of something highly-valued for the sake of something considered to have greater value.”  For Byron Golphin, he sacrifices sleep, as his daily routine is unlike most students. This adult student leaves his third-shift job as a quality control supervisor and comes straight to class.

“This program fits my schedule well. Plus, the price is perfect for the class,” Golphin said.

Step into the electrical shop in Sand Springs and you can’t help but see his smile from a mile away. Even without an adequate amount of sleep, he is ready to move forward.

“I heard many good stories about how people who come [here] can get a job, so that sparked my interest,” he said.

The nine-month high school or adult program is set up to help students succeed and quickly get a job.

“Pay is a thing. Starting [out] may be a little bit of a pay cut [for me],” he commented. “I am looking down the line. This is a merit-based job, so the more experience I get, the more pay I deserve.”

A recent survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics proves that point. It showed that the median salary for an electrician in Tulsa is more than $58,000, with some making almost $100,000. The report also shows the field could add more than 700,000 jobs over the next decade.

Despite everything he is giving up, Golphin says the sacrifices now will be worth it later on.

“If you want to make a life change, sometimes you have to make those sacrifices,” he said. “I look forward to the days when I am doing what I enjoy, then work is not work.”

For Golphin, that is the world of electricity. He says the intricacy of wiring and the immediate gratification makes him happy.

“It is great to finish a project, flip the switch and see the light come on. I enjoy it,” he said with a smile.

The hands-on training fits his desires. The son of a Military father, Golphin moved around a lot as a child but settled in Texas. He says Tulsa Tech’s opportunity would have set him on a different path out of high school.

“If I had something like this when I was in high school, I would be in a completely different spot right now,” he said.

Tulsa Tech can help you reinvent yourself, just like Byron. With more than 80 different career training programs, you can build your passion into a career. Make Your Own Path today.