Midland native Juan Padilla graduated from Lee High School in May, with more than a high school diploma. He also had a certificate in Energy Technology, which was available through Midland College.
He was able to speed up his journey to obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Energy Technology to just 18 months, as a student in the Midland College/Midland Independent School District College and Careers Petroleum Academy.
“I’ll be honest—the whole reason I enrolled in the Petroleum Academy when I was a high school freshman was because I thought it would also be an easy ‘A,’” Padilla said in an interview with Midland College. “I had no idea I would enjoy it so much and that it would be a determining factor in my career choice.”
His plan is to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and work in the energy industry.
As part of the Petroleum Academy, Padilla completed course work designed to prepare him for entry-level energy industry positions – like lease operators, lease managers, or general field service technicians.
"I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn in a hands-on environment,” said Padilla. “We worked on projects and experiments as part of a team. It wasn’t just about learning course material, though. We practiced job interviewing, resume building—really getting prepared for the real world. I also had the opportunity to make connections to jobs and people through guest lecturers and job fairs. One of my instructors, Mr. Cummins, would also tell us about various scholarship opportunities.”
When those scholarship opportunities arose, like a scholarship through Lockheed Marin, Padilla applied.
“I decided ‘why not?’ I didn’t have anything to lose,” said Padilla. “One day I was sitting in the kitchen reading my email, and to my surprise, there was one from Lockheed Martin telling me that I had been awarded a $6,600 scholarship!”
In February, Padilla took part in the regional SkillsUSA competition in San Angelo. He won first place in mechatronics, and second in automotive tool identification. And, he and other academy students were picked to compete in the state SkillsUSA competition in Corpus Christi, which would have been held in April. The competition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It has been a pleasure knowing Juan,” said Pete Avalos, MC department chair of Petroleum Energy. “From the first time we met, it was apparent that he was very dedicated and self-driven. With his work ethic, there is no doubt that he will one day achieve his dream of completing a degree in one of the engineering fields. We are extremely proud of Juan because he is a wonderful young man, great example to other students and represents MC very well.”
Padilla lives with his parents, Jeannette and Danny Freeman, in Midland.
“So, it hasn’t exactly been an ‘easy A’ like I originally thought, but it has been fun and interesting,” Padilla said. “I’m glad I took Petroleum Academy courses when I was in high school. I think that I’m more prepared for a career than a lot of guys my age. I’m looking forward to taking more Energy Technology courses at Midland College this fall.”