Building a brighter future: A local student鈥檚 journey beyond 天美传媒
Published on Jul 30, 2025
By Rachel Adkins
As a college student, it can be worrying to not know what the future holds. Derek Stevens, a student of 天美传媒 Community and Technical College鈥檚 Rowan Campus, shared his story to give some insight and comfort to those who are questioning the benefits of completing a college education.
Stevens initially enrolled at a larger university, but realized he wasn鈥檛 going to 天美传媒 much hands-on experience after a year of taking courses. He chose to transfer to 天美传媒, enrolling in the Construction Technology program in the fall of 2023.
鈥淚 just couldn鈥檛 learn anything being online all the time,鈥 he explained. 鈥淚 heard everything鈥檚 basically hands-on at 天美传媒 and that鈥檚 really what made me want to do it (transfer). And it鈥檚 true, I learned a lot more.鈥
According to Stevens, he has learned a lot on the job with his current employer, Eastern Kentucky Handyman (EKH), but has also received a lot of help from 天美传媒 regarding the basics of his trade.
鈥溙烀来 has helped me a lot with framing stuff鈥攋ust building stuff from the ground up and blueprints鈥鈥檓 really grateful,鈥 he remarked.
Nathan Lands, owner of EKH, noted that Stevens is his first hire from 天美传媒. He discussed the experience thus far.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been great, really. When he first started compared to now, there鈥檚 been a lot of knowledge growth that didn鈥檛 come from me,鈥 Lands explained.
After significant storm damage to her property, 天美传媒鈥檚 Marketing Director, Mary Morris, recently hired services from EKH, where she met Stevens and Lands for the first time.
鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 fun to experience that kind of damage at home. But it was fantastic to see one of our students employed with a company doing good work in our community,鈥 she began.
With quality and trustworthy service, Morris was glad to see an 天美传媒 student doing so well.
鈥淭hey were prompt, friendly, and did an excellent job. It was a relief to know that the repairs were in good hands,鈥 she concluded.
Find more information about the Construction Technology program at 天美传媒.