Video: EMCC Student Graduates Automotive Program, Hopes To Inspire Others

[syndicaster id=’5756018′]

MAYHEW, Miss. (WCBI) – A number of local colleges will host their graduation ceremonies this weekend. The W, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and East Mississippi Community College are just a few from a long list.

WCBI’s Alyssa Martin shares the story of one non-traditional student who pursued his degree from EMCC.

The past two years have been all about hard work for one college student.
His determination has landed him several awards and his teachers say he is one of the hardest working students.
On Friday, David Scott walked across the stage at EMCC as a college graduate, for the first time in 36 years.
David Scott decided to go back to college two years ago.

He says he has always been interested in repairing cars, so when he heard about EMCC’s automotive program, he saw an opportunity for learning.

“The opportunities that are being presented in Mississippi, especially in the Columbus, Starkville area, there is a lot of doors being opened up and I realized I needed a degree and this program to help me. It was kind of like a stepping stone for me,” said EMCC student David Scott.

After one year of taking basic automotive classes, Scott applied for the 2-year automotive program. He was accepted from a large pool of applicants and has been a stand out student in his class.

Scott competed in the SkillsUSA automotive competition and won 1st place the past two years in the job demonstration category.

He’s also been awarded “Student of the Year” twice.

On Friday, the 36-year-old  sees all his hard work pay off, as he graduates with honors

“Knowledge is power these days. It’s very important to know what you know because people can look at you and tell I want him on my team because he knows this and it’s all about helping each other. The more you know, the more you can bring to a team,” said Scott.

Scott says he has learned a lot about himself through this journey and hopes his story will inspire others to pursue a degree, no matter their age.

“It just showed me I can do anything I put my mind to. I don’t have to settle for less and if I apply myself, I can do anything. Its just going to open more doors and help pursue me into other opportunities, ” added Scott.

Last year, Scott placed 6th in the national automotive competition.
He will head back to nationals this summer in Kentucky, hopeful of bring home 1st place.