Working and going to school is possible

Some may say it’s too difficult to work and go to college at the same time, but three McDonalds employees are able to juggle being Hazard Community and Technical College students and working.

Tommy Combs, Crystal Curtis, and Cody Davidson are enrolled at HCTC, live in Breathitt County, and work at the McDonalds in Jackson.

Combs, age 37, wants to work in sports broadcasting so he is majoring in communications. “I wanted to show everyone I could do it; I’m looking forward to getting my degree,” he said. The 2001 Breathitt County High School graduate knows he is a better student today than he was when he went to college fresh out of high school. He might transfer to Morehead State University after earning his HCTC degree using the University Center of the Mountains resources to assist him with his transfer plan.

Curtis is taking cosmetology classes at the Breathitt Life Skills building. “I love the classes. The people at HCTC are really nice, and I’m glad I’m enrolled now,” she said, with only less than two semesters left. Her schedule involves classes Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and then working at McDonalds in the evenings. “It is hard, but it’s worth it,” she noted.

Davidson, age 32, is an education major and he said he is able to maintain his college work while working about 40 hours a week. He encourages others to be employed while enrolled in college because as long as they have discipline, they can do both.

All three appreciate the financial assistance provided by McDonalds. “It’s an added bonus,” Combs noted.