AJ Rowland
Rowland Dusters
Raymondville, TX USA
"All of us were put here for certain reasons. Everybody just needs to find their place."
Career Roadmap
AJ's work combines: Engineering, Technology, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Certification
Mechanics License
Texas State Technical College
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
My family has deep roots in the crop dusting industry—I’m the fourth generation in my family to join the industry.
2.
Through high school, I was pushed to go to college and get a four-year degree.
3.
I quickly learned that traditional college wasn’t for me, so I decided to move back home and lean into my family’s agricultural side instead.
4.
I went to a technical college and earned my mechanics license, which I put towards the family business—instead of outsourcing maintenance, I wanted to be able to do that in-house.
5.
I currently work as the lead mechanic for my family’s business.
6.
I’m also working on getting my pilot’s license and becoming a fourth generation agricultural pilot.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Teachers:
You need to go to college. You need a four-year degree. You won't be able to do anything without a degree.
How I responded:
In high school, I was told I had to go to college and get a four-year degree to be successful. I didn't know what I wanted to pursue but I went to college anyway because that's what everyone said to do. I realized within three semesters that college wasn't for me. I'd rather be working than sitting in class. I moved back home and joined my family's agricultural business. I also earned my mechanics license from a technical college. I enjoyed that so much more because it was hands-on learning.