Scholar Spotlight: Brayden Ayers
An Alternative to College
As his high school graduation approached, Brayden was certain about one thing: attending a four-year college was not the right direction for him.
“I wanted something to happen fast. I didn’t care for the extra classes college would require. I wanted to get out, start working, and start making money. But I wanted something I was passionate about.”
Brayden’s interest in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) field emerged when he was a freshman in high school. Once he graduated from Blanchester High School, he needed a push to get started. His aunt knew about The Chatfield Edge and encouraged him to reach out for support.
“I just wasn’t taking action and found myself procrastinating. When I met with The Chatfield Edge, they helped me look at a bunch of schools until I found one that stood out. When I did the orientation at Warren County Career Center, it felt more like a family than a school and I knew it was the one.”
A Career with Room for Growth
Several months into his training, Brayden reports that he still loves to go to school every day. Not wanting to be stuck in a repetitive job, Brayden sees great opportunity within the HVAC field. His 600-hour program is preparing him for entry-level employment in a high-demand technical field. He is learning a variety of skills needed to work as a service or installation technician in the HVAC, commercial, manufacturing, and service areas.
“Through my program, I am able to get my EPA license for refrigeration and hope to work in either commercial kitchen repair or installing HVAC systems.”
Financing Trade School
Brayden works full-time at a golf course to support himself and the extra expenses associated with his HVAC program. When he finishes his shift, he has 40 minutes to get to school. Scholarship support from The Chatfield Edge allows Brayden to focus on his education without the extra added pressure of finances.
Chatfield’s donors make it possible for students like Brayden to dream big and achieve their goals without worrying about mounting bills. He is the recipient of the Timothy Smith Scholarship and the Snowden and Mary Louise Rowe Scholarship.
Chatfield Offers an Edge
In addition to financial support, The Chatfield Edge provides a mentor for Brayden who walks along side of him from start to finish, helping him keep his educational goals in sight. This pillar of support is crucial for students like Brayden who are balancing work, life, school, and the financial cost of obtaining career training.
“It’s really helpful to meet with my mentor because he grew up how I did. He shares stories about when he was my age and helps me with my day to day. I see this successful businessman who drives a nice car, and I think ‘I could do that one day!’”
When asked how he might encourage those who are facing similar challenges as they consider furthering their life goals through education, Brayden said:
“Connect with The Chatfield Edge and use the connections they provide. If you work with them, they will provide as much help as they can. Because of Chatfield, I am going to have a great future and will be able to do something I’ve wanted to do since I started high school.”
If you are a non-traditional student interested in pursuing your educational and career goals but, like Brayden need a push to get started, you can learn more about what we offer on our website. We are here to help you gain success in life through education. If you have questions, contact David Hesson, our Director of Programs, at david.hesson@chatfieldedge.org or 513-875-3344 ext. 112.
