Jesse Fuentes, Instrumentation Student
Eight years ago, Jesse Fuentes was a high school dropout working in the oil and gas industry for Patterson-UTI Drilling Company in Victoria.
“I was climbing the ladder, hoping to become a rig manager,” Fuentes said. “I was told I needed to get my GED if I wanted to further my career, so I took the test and received my GED at Victoria College in 2016.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Fuentes opted for a voluntary layoff to assist his wife, Leslie, with their children – Zariah (15), Jaziel (14), Alanna (12), Jathan (10), and Luna (2). He returned to VC, this time to complete HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) training.
“Being back in the classroom sparked something in me,” Fuentes said. “I decided right there I’d return to the oilfield, save up sufficient funds, and when I had enough, I would enroll in the Instrumentation Program at Victoria College.”
Fuentes 35, is on track to graduate from VC’s Instrumentation Program in May 2025.
Financial aid and scholarships have been crucial in funding his education. Through the VC Foundation, he was awarded the Jack Morrison, Sr. Scholarship this year. He previously received the Johnson Foundation Workforce & Continuing Education scholarship while pursuing HVAC certification.
“I received state and federal aid along with the scholarships,” he said. “It’s been a huge help, and I am incredibly grateful.”
Born and raised in Victoria and now an Inez resident, Fuentes dropped out of high school during his sophomore year to start working. He is now a full-time student preparing to become an instrumentation technician at a local plant after graduation.
“It’s been completely fulfilling,” he said. “My first semester was challenging, and I didn’t know what to expect. But Dr. Deb Crislip-Baker’s Learning Frameworks class really set me up for success. I learned what it would take, and that helped me a lot.”
Fuentes believes the training he is receiving in instrumentation is equipping him with the skills needed to succeed in the field.
“The first semester was all about theory and the fundamentals of electrical work and instrumentation,” he said. “Now, it’s more hands-on. We’re applying what we’ve learned through troubleshooting exercises. It’s going great, and I’m learning a lot.”
Fuentes hopes his journey will inspire his children to pursue higher education.
“As a first-generation college student, I feel like my kids will follow in my footsteps,” he said. “I’ve gained so much from this experience, and they will too. My family has been incredibly supportive of my decision to go back to school.”
Beyond the technical training, Fuentes values the personal growth and community he’s found at college.
“I enjoy interacting with classmates and learning new things from the teachers,” said Fuentes. “It’s also rewarding to accomplish goals that were set early on and knowing that Victoria College has many support outlets to help you achieve success.”