|
James Logue, a Watertown native from the Class of 2009, was a Plumbing/HVAC career major at Minuteman. Since graduation, James has had a successful career in mechanical controls for large-scale property management and construction companies. James was on National Honors Society, SkillsUSA, and the cross country and wrestling teams at Minuteman.
Q: Why did you choose Minuteman?
I have to give a lot of credit to my mother. She encouraged me to apply and tour the school, which I did. It was impressive. I was still a little nervous. But she said, ‘Hey, try it for a year. If you don’t like it, you can always come back.’ Well, I tried it and I never went back.
Q: What did you appreciate most about Minuteman?
It gives you an opportunity to take control of your life and set a course for yourself. It’s a privilege to go to a career technical education school. It’s more challenging. You have to apply yourself. As a freshman, you go through the Exploratory program and try multiple shops. You might consider one you hadn’t thought about. Maybe your father was a plumber and his father was a plumber so you’re thinking, ‘I want to be a plumber.’ But when you get to Minuteman, you get to explore so many avenues that it broadens your perspective to things you may have never considered. I also appreciated how much Minuteman has to offer outside of shops, like sports, theater and music. You get to do all those things, all at the same time.
Q: How did Minuteman help impact your life?
I’m most grateful for the friends. I made lifelong bonds with the kids in my shop. Some of your best times in your life are in high school. I’m grateful for all the memories, and for what I learned from the teachers – both in shop and in academics – because it really set me up well for life.
Q: How did Minuteman shape your career?
When I graduated in 2009, it was right in the middle of the recession. No one was hiring; a lot of people were jobless. But I got a job two weeks after graduation, and I haven’t stopped since. It was because of my education at Minuteman that I even got a foot in the door for an interview. I didn’t even meet all the qualifications, but I had my certifications and a base knowledge, which most people my age didn’t have. The company took a shot on me and it worked out. I make a good living, and I know a lot of alumni who are in good jobs and making a good living for themselves as well.
Q: What advice do you have for current or prospective Minuteman students?
You don’t want to regret decisions you didn’t take. Be active, be involved. Immerse yourself in the community. Do something besides your shop, and dive in and learn. It’s going to be a lot of fun. You’re going to get so much out of it.
|
