GNTC Technical Studies graduate sees bright future
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As Ethron “Carl” Crawford crossed the stage during Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Fall Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 14, he was confident in the example he has set for his children.
Crawford grew up in Decatur and now resides in Rome. He attended classes at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome and Gordon County Campus in Calhoun. He has earned an associate degree in Technical Studies, a diploma in Electrical Systems Technology and seven technical certificates through GNTC.
“I used to be afraid of electricity,” Crawford said. “I was helping an electrician who was all about safety to install and connect lighting fixtures. When the lights came on, I knew I wanted to be an electrician.”
That electrician had graduated from GNTC and put Crawford in contact with Scottie Carter, program director, assistant dean and instructor of Electrical Systems Technology at GNTC.
“I’m not afraid of electricity now, and I am very safety conscious,” Crawford said.
Crawford has been working part-time in construction while attending college and is now looking for a full-time job. He has mostly residential electrical experience, but is open to working in commercial and industrial settings, he said.
Next summer, he plans to finish his Entrepreneurship certificate; his long-term goal is to own a service truck so that he can perform service calls for customers, he said.
Crawford, 52, acknowledged that he has not followed the traditional path to success.
He graduated from high school in 1989, was divorced by age 30 and then met the woman who would be the mother of his children. Their relationship fell apart when he was sent to state prison for six years on drug-related charges. He was released in August 2020.
“The man who went to prison is not who I am now,” he said. “I decided that I wanted to be someone my kids could look up to. If my kids could see their daddy can go back to school and maintain good grades, I could set a good example for them. That inspired me to pursue a good path.”
“Carl’s example is that anyone can do what they are determined to do,” Carter said. “He is not going to let his past mistakes dictate his future. His work ethic and his own determination to be the best person he can be will not allow it.”
Crawford faced some challenges as he started classes at GNTC in fall 2021. He had to learn how to study again and to become familiar with technology. Carter said Crawford listened to every word and took notes.
Crawford explained that he had never sent an email before he reached out to GNTC for information about enrolling.
Crawford said he had been blessed to meet good people on GNTC’s faculty and staff who have shown him compassion and helped him attend college. He is grateful to the staff in financial aid and the tutoring lab.
“When I was taking core classes, I was in the tutoring lab five days a week,” Crawford said. “I (jokingly) asked if I could bring my sleeping bag because I was in there so much, but it really paid off.”
Crawford’s core classes challenged him the most because they required so much focus, he said.
“As a non-traditional student, Carl did need a lot of help, but he was willing to spend the extra time to get the help,” Carter said.
Carter said when he informed students that the scholarship application window had opened, Crawford applied immediately.
“Carl is one of the most determined students I have ever had,” Carter said. “He knew coming in that he was out of his element and certainly out of his comfort zone, but he was determined to finish what he started.
“I saw him grow into a leader and a mentor, even though he was learning himself,” Carter said. “Many times I heard him tell other students, ‘I don’t really know because I am learning myself, but don’t give up. You can do it!’”
Because he enjoys working with his hands, Crawford said the electrical classes came more naturally to him, adding that his grade point average is close to 4.0.
Crawford earned a certificate in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour Construction training and six industry certifications from Greenlee, RIDGID and Snap-on through the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), Carter said.
Crawford received multiple scholarships through the GNTC Foundation, including the Electrical Systems Scholarship, Rome Home Builders Association (RBHA) Scholarship and Wayne Ledford Craftsman Scholarship. He also received assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). These scholarships and funds helped him to purchase tools and to cover other education-related expenses, he said.
Crawford said he would advise anyone considering GNTC that it’s a good start. A four-year college is not for everyone.
“As you take classes, the Student Success coaches can help guide you in what you want to do,” he said. “With my degree, diploma and certificates, I have a lot to offer as I leave college.”
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 11,601 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,071 students and an additional enrollment of 3,530 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start. GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and an Equal Opportunity Institution.
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