Young, Decisive, Determined

July 20, 2020 | College News

Written by Michael Gandolfo, Occupational Specialist
Contributing writer Ryan Turner, Diesel Systems Technology instructor
Dallas Jackson, EdD, Occupational specialist, photographer

At a time when many young adults in high school were unsure of which direction they should take to begin laying the foundations of their future, Edward Yuzko, a senior at Dunedin High School, took a decisive step forward to ensure his success. Edward, a first generation American whose parents came to the United States in search of a better life for their family, was determined to make the most of every opportunity that came his way. With no technical experience and no set career path, he decided to begin his journey with Pinellas Technical College by entering the dual enrollment program while still at Dunedin High.

Edward decided that the Diesel Systems Technician program was the right program for him. First, it was the type of work that offered him a feeling of accomplishment when seeing a project through to a successful end. Second, it was work he could enjoy and so, he knew he could excel at it. Finally, the time and cost of the program would be an investment toward a future that would guarantee him high paying jobs in any city in the country.

The instructors at PTC recognized that there was something special about this young man. It was evident that he had inherited a strong work ethic from his parents and he possessed determination and an eagerness to learn. After high school, Edward added to the credits he earned during his time as a dual enrollment student and, to the delight of his instructors, enrolled full time at PTC. As proud as Edward and his parents were of his graduation from PTC, so too were his instructors whose faces light up when speaking of Edward. Instructor Bryan Howard said this of Edward: “He was an asset to our program, to his employer and to his community.”

With the skills he acquired in the program Edward was able to begin a lucrative career opportunity with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, even before he graduated. While many college students walk away from an education saddled with enormous debt, Edward’s decision to attend PTC allowed him to start his career, debt free. At barely twenty years of age, Edward is his own man with a skillset that the job market will always hold in high demand and a bright future ahead of him. “We congratulate Edward Yuzko for his level of work ethic and for being an outstanding student. It was a pleasure to work with him and we wish him the best as he embarks on his new career,” said instructor Ryan Turner.

Pinellas Technical College opens doors of opportunity for any and all that care to take advantage. These doors remain open throughout a person’s life because skills learned, cannot be revoked. Whatever paths that Edward Yuzko chooses for himself throughout his life; whether it be to further his education or reinvent himself in another profession, the door he opened at PTC will always be available for him and help him achieve his ambitions.

Edward’s story is inspiring but not unique at PTC. There are many success stories of students who utilized the services of PTC to achieve a time and cost-effective way toward a brighter future.

For more information about this program and others, contact us at (727) 538-7167.