Western Nevada College
Adam Temple wasn’t originally sure he was cut out for college, and entered Western Nevada College’s Higher Education in Prison Program expressing concern that he wouldn’t be successful.
As it turns out, “He had nothing to worry about,” said HEPP Director Deb Conrad. “He was a capable student doing excellent work.”
Three-and-a-half years later, Temple is a dual graduate of WNC, having earned his associate degree and completed the college’s Commercial Driver Training program. He co-owns a thriving construction business, Temple Curtis Industries, LLC. You can hear the pride in his voice when he shares that “we’ve won 90 percent of the bids we’ve submitted so far.”
Temple speaks with the quiet confidence of someone who knows what he has to offer. When asked where it comes from, he credits the HEPP program, sharing that having a degree boosted his self-esteem.
“Once I got my degree, I knew I had a better chance in life,” he said. “Plus, it gave me the technical skills to start my own company within 6 months of being out.”
So, when Temple heard about the Commercial Driver Training program at the college, he knew he could handle it. And handle it he did. Upon acceptance into the program, he adjusted his work schedule, working weekends so that he could be in class during the week.
It wasn’t all easy, but Temple is someone who knows he can overcome challenges. You hear it when he talks about the satisfaction that comes with learning a new skill. “I really enjoyed learning how to parallel park a big rig. A lot of people don’t know how to parallel park a car, let alone a big rig.”
When it comes to giving students the confidence and passion to be lifelong learners, it appears Temple is a shining example of what an education can do. So, what advice does he have for students considering WNC?
“Getting your CDL can potentially change the direction of your life; the day I got mine, I had 3 different job offers. It will give you a career making great money. That’s a game changer for someone.”
The Western Nevada College Commercial Driver Training program is now accepting new students. To learn more, call (775) 445-4210, visit www.wnc.edu/commercialdrivers or email conted@wnc.edu.
