As a self-described “money driven 18-year old” without any plans to attend college, Chris Smith’s sole ambition was to enter the work force after high school graduation. “If I could go back and ask myself if I would be working to obtain a college degree after being out of high school for almost 10 years, I wouldn’t be able to take myself seriously,” jokes Chris.

Even though Chris is well on his way to completing a degree in Chemical Engineering Technology, the beginning of his career was not without a few bumps. Presented with the opportunity to join Colonial Chemical as an entry-level chemical operator at age 19, Chris recalled that he put friends and social events over “being present and putting forth effort to better myself at work.”

When Chris turned 21, he met his future wife who was already a college graduate with a solid career. That motivated him to put a lot more effort into bettering himself at Colonial, finding that he enjoyed the chemical field and learning more about it. The topic of college came up several times, but, “it was never in our cards for one reason or another,” said Chris.

Noting that hard work was valued at Colonial, Chris was given the opportunity to move out of production into a position within their engineering department. Once again, the topic of college came up, but the timing was still not right until a conversation with his boss made Chris realize he could return to school and succeed if that was what he wanted. His boss was confident in his ability, but Chris was worried that starting college nearly 10 years after high school to earn an degree in Chemical Engineering Technology while working a 40+ hours a week at his job “was a huge hill to climb.”

Taking time to explore the degree, Chris also discovered Tennessee Reconnect and realized that there were many people in the same position as he found himself. “Chattanooga State as well as Colonial Chemical gave me some of the best resources and guidance in this adventure so far,” stated Chris.  “The support I have had from both are some of the biggest reasons I have succeeded. Tennessee Reconnect gave me the opportunity and resources to return to school and achieve something that was just a ‘wish’ I once had.”

Tennessee Reconnect is a free education for adults 23 and older. To find out more information or to see if you qualify, call (423) 697-4753 or email marsha.barker@chattanoogastate.edu.

Attend a virtual information session on September 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 or 29 at 5:30 pm, September 17 at 10 am, or September 24 at 9 am. Sign up today here.