Summer Barnhill
LyondellBasell
Channelview, TX USA
"Perception is reality, so make sure people always see you for what you want them to see you for."
Career Roadmap
Summer's work combines: Engineering, Science, and Working with Others
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Advice for getting started
I didn't think college was for me. I come from poverty and didn't think I could afford it. I began working instead. After going to college as an adult, I've realized the power of financial aid. Looking back, I could've been getting more money from financial aid had I gone to college after high school than I was making at my job. Now I'm working with my college to visit high schools to speak with students who are interested in this program. I want to show others that college can be for them too.
Here's the path I took:
GED
Associate's Degree
Chemical Process Technology
San Jacinto College
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I initially didn’t complete high school and never considered college as a possibility for me.
2.
I started working as a teenager and have built my career in construction and chemical refinement.
3.
After my daughter was born, I knew I wanted to provide a better life for her, so I got my GED and then went to community college.
4.
I was able to keep my job as a safety manager for an alloy fabrication company through school.
5.
I earned my associate degree in chemical process technology from San Jacinto College.
6.
The college had ample networking opportunities, which helped me land my dream job with LyondellBasell.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
College isn't for me. I could never afford it.
How I responded:
I didn't think college was for me. I come from poverty and didn't think I could afford it. I began working instead. After going to college as an adult, I've realized the power of financial aid. Looking back, I could've been getting more money from financial aid had I gone to college after high school than I was making at my job. Now I'm working with my college to visit high schools to speak with students who are interested in this program. I want to show others that college can be for them too.