“Sampson Community College gave me a solid foundation that I have built upon to have a successful career; for that, I am thankful” smiles Jairo Najera, SCC Graduate.

In late July, 2009, Jairo Najera walked into the Building Construction Technology Lab for a tour led by Barney Grady, SCC’s Building and Construction Department Chair. As the tour progressed, Jairo was intrigued and fascinated as he knew this was the place he would start his educational journey, one that led him to his career in construction.

Within SCC’s Building and Construction program, students construct a 1,200 square foot home inside the construction shop. “Knowing that I would gain hands-on experience was all it took for me to enroll into the program” reflects Najera. Upon graduating, Jairo transferred to a four-year university. Today, he and his family live in Raleigh, NC where he works for a construction company, constructing an assortment of projects including hospitals and office buildings.

“Mr. Grady is a great mentor and has become a friend throughout my career. He cares a lot about his students and each semester we team up to schedule site visits for students to see the importance of the construction industry.”

“Dear Student…. Building a successful career takes time and sometimes you don’t know what career you want until you try it. Don’t ever let anyone limit your potential or say that you cannot do it, because in America, everything is possible. Si se puede, mis amigos!”

Congratulations Jairo on being a 50^th Anniversary highlight and thank you for sharing your story. For more information about Sampson Community College, visit sampsoncc.edu or call 910-592-8081, Sampson Community College, “Begin Here, Go Anywhere”.

PHOTO: Jario Najera, far right, led a tour on a current job site for Sampson Community College Building and Construction students to share a behind the scenes look within the construction industry.