Shifting Gears

When Precious Cannon climbs into the cab of her refrigerated semi-truck, she isn’t just starting another haul, she’s steering into the next chapter of a life defined by determination.

In October 2024, Cannon enrolled in Tulsa Tech’s Professional Truck Driver Training program. Five months later, she earned her Commercial Driver’s License, and a job offer from Prime Inc., one of the nation’s leading freight transport companies. Today, she’s an over-the-road driver, hauling goods across state lines in a truck that’s become both her office and her adventure.

Truck driving wasn’t the first—or even the second—career Cannon pursued. But once she decided to do it, there was no stopping her.

“I kept thinking that I wanted to drive big trucks,” she said. “So, I looked into getting my CDL, enrolled in school and told my husband, ‘I want to be a truck driver. I start school next month!’”

That confidence comes from a lifetime of setting goals and following through. “I said I was going into the military—did it. Said I was going to be a nurse—did it. Said I was going to be a truck driver—did it. It may take me some time, but I’ll get there.”

Cannon’s story begins in a military household. Both of her parents served, and right out of high school she joined the Air Force Guard as a Chaplain Assistant. She learned about many faiths, provided safe spaces for worship, and even became the military equivalent of a paramedic. She was stationed in Texas and North Carolina before completing her service in Oklahoma.

After leaving the military, Cannon earned her practical nursing license and spent 19 years caring for patients. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the long hours and emotional strain led to burnout. Laid off and searching for a new path, she took a job in an Amazon warehouse. That’s where the idea of truck driving began to take shape.

A conversation with a coworker led her to Tulsa Tech Instructor Janet Leath, and before long, Cannon was back in the classroom—this time learning to handle an 18-wheeler.

Her husband, Joel Scott, a Navy veteran, has caught the bug too. He hopes to enroll at Tulsa Tech this fall, with dreams of the two driving as a team once their son, Shane, finishes high school. Shane, inspired by his mom’s journey, is already exploring Tulsa Tech programs to gain trade skills before graduation.

Cannon credits much of her success to the hands-on training she received at Tulsa Tech. “The instructors go in depth, and if you’re struggling, they take the time to help you,” she said. “I also loved that you take your driving test in the same truck you trained in. Every truck is different, so knowing mine was a big help.”

Going back to school in her 40s was no small feat. “I just turned 44 in May, and it took me a little longer on certain things,” she admitted. “But if you apply yourself, you can complete this program. The instructors want to see you succeed.”

Now, whether she’s on the road or at home, Cannon is quick to share her Tulsa Tech pride. “Everywhere I go, I’m promoting Tulsa Tech,” she said. “College isn’t for everybody. Tulsa Tech gives students an opportunity to find a trade, get to work and make good money.”

For Cannon, the view from behind the wheel isn’t just miles of open highway, it’s proof that it’s never too late to start over and chase something new.