Mason Powell: A Profile of Determination

OCTC Student Spotlight

by Linda Taylor

Owensboro, KY (03/04/2020) — After some forks in the road and several educational starts put on hold, Owensboro Community and Technical (OCTC) student, Mason Powell, is finally beginning to realize his dream of obtaining a college degree. Mason is on track to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electrical Technology in May. An identical twin, Mason and his brother Jason both work for Aleris where Mason has worked in production for 16 years. He, his wife of 14 years and their three children reside in Owensboro.

Mason credits his parents for giving him and his siblings' two wise options as they approached the end of their high school careers; go to college and get an education or get a good job. He attended the University of Louisville for a semester and returned home to attend OCTC in the spring of 2000. He found "extra motivation" from Grant (G.G.) Talbott, a counselor at OCTC. G.G. mentored him that first year and emphasized that he should never give up on his dreams and goals in life. After a short break in 2001 to go back to work, Mason returned to OCTC in 2002.

After meeting his wife, and with his first child on the way, he returned fulltime to the workforce with determination to support his young family. A lay off at the plant allowed for his return to college in 2009-2010. However, with another child on the way and with plant call backs, Mason returned to his position at work and did not resume his education again until 2016.

Seeing others, including his siblings, further their education was an additional motivating factor for Mason. The tipping point was Aleris's implementation of a "grow your own" model allowing employees to reinvent themselves by furthering their education and at the same time solve one of the plant's greatest challenges, a shortage of top-quality electrical troubleshooters. His twin completed his degree in Organizational Leadership from Western Kentucky University and was promoted at Aleris. This only intensified Mason's search for new opportunities.

Mason and two fellow workers, Chad Mudd and Vic Steele, will all complete this major step in their journey together by summer's end. All three are thankful to Aleris and OCTC for the opportunity to help them develop new skills which can bring new opportunities.

Mason credits Marty Higdon, his instructor at OCTC, as another important mentor. Higdon said, "Mason is attentive, has a high desire to learn, and a wonderful personality! He has ambition and knows it will take education to reach the goals he has set for himself." Marty Higdon also credits Aleris with having one of the finest programs in the region to help employees grow in knowledge, skills, and obtain a degree with the support of job security after their return.

Mason has even higher goals in mind when he returns to work. He plans to pursue a bachelor degree in Engineering Technology Management and mentor others by sharing his experience. He wants to serve as an example for his children and family.

When asked if he was happy with his career choice, he quickly responded that he was most appreciative of all the help and motivation from Aleris and how much he likes his job. But he added with a trademark grin, "It is also important to keep moving the chains and challenging yourself to reach higher goals." It is apparent that Mason's perseverance is beginning to reap benefits!

Media Attachments