Danny Gonzales was a self-described ‘Jack of all trades’ who had worked as a welder’s helper before spending a few years in the oil fields. He had done enough out-of-state travel for work and wanted to lock onto something that would allow him more time with his wife and two children – and satisfy his need for both challenging work and job security.
When Danny realized that, as a Marine Corps vet, the military would pay for career education, a whole new world of career possibilities opened up to him. He liked working with his hands, solving mechanical problems and establishing professional relationships that could elevate his knowledge and expertise. The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration technician checked all the boxes.
What was your first move toward career education through the VA program?
I just went straight to SJVC. I took care of my kids during the day, and SJVC offered a night HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) program. And they said they offered Career Assistance (job search and interview/resume preparation) – and that’s exactly what they did.
The HVAC-R professor seemed like a genuine person, and I felt comfortable taking this program/class from him. His understanding of what I wanted and expected from the course cinched the deal. He described the real-world situation of what I would get once I completed the program – and he was absolutely accurate.
What was your primary motivation to make such a big career change-up?
I was done traveling in oil fields and coming home maybe once every 6 months for about a week. I wanted to work close to home and take care of my kids during the day so my wife could work.
I was always a Jack-of-all-trades and knew I wanted something hands-on. This HVAC-R program would give me that.
What was your greatest concern about being a student again?
I was a little nervous about being the oldest person in the classroom; but if anything, it helped me. I’d experienced real-world suffering, so lots of homework or tests are really trivial in comparison.
Was SJVC’s HVAC-R program what you expected?
In HVAC-R you do a little bit of everything; some electrical, a little bit of plumbing, diagnosis. It’s like a puzzle and you have to figure out what the problem is and where the pieces fit.
After the first 10-week course I knew there was nothing I could encounter that I couldn’t get through (academically). Things were just clicking, and I knew there was nothing in the course that was going to throw me off.
Did you get the instructor and program support you needed?
100%. Jim Greer was my original professor – he is the director of the campus now. My advance instructor, Mr. Bernall, is actually working in the field and is an instructor at night. I was still working while going to school and he would even help me diagnose my work situations.
From the career advisors to the financial advisors and the professors – they will assist you throughout your time there. They were always there to come in early or stay later to go over information. I was never disappointed with the treatment I got there.
What excited you most about your HVAC-R program?
It was definitely the advance portion of the class – hands-on time with the equipment. We got plenty of experience with that. I got into the flow of things right away. Everything I’ve ever done, I’ve done to the best of my ability.
The important thing for HVAC-R students to know is that knowledge is power, and you need to be able to share it and receive it at the same time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t be afraid to help others.
Who was your biggest cheerleader to the finish line?
Definitely my wife, Vanessa. She was the one who really pushed me to go to school, supported my decision and never hesitated. It was a big thing changing my career, doing something I’d never done before, and she was strong enough to supplement all the time I’m not there.
We’d talked about how we would handle the responsibilities, but nothing always works how you want it to. But her goals are mine and mine are hers because we have the same mindset.
What inspired you to keep pushing toward your career goal?
A vision that I would be able to come home at a reasonable time and just see my kids at the end of the day. And knowing that I have my wife’s unflinching belief in me.
And the professors knew what they were talking about. I was definitely prepared for the basic understanding and knowledge you’re going to need to function out there.
Is there a support network of instructors and fellow grads you can access?
I do have my instructors’ phone numbers, and we keep in regular contact. I definitely have fellow coworkers I call when I’m stuck on a job. I run down what I’m seeing, and they can tell me within a minute what’s going on with the system.
How does your HVAC-R employment potential look?
I got hired before I even finished the HVAC-R program. They (employer) had come to our school and liked my work ethic. I only had one week left – finals week – and crushed it in a couple of days.
I’ve had to step away from work to provide care for my 3-year-old son who has had some medical issues. But I can go back there when my son is better.
What is your next step?
I haven’t stopped being a student, even while I was working. I’m an online student, going for my Associate’s degree through the veteran’s education program and will graduate next month (April). The VA actually pays me to go to school and provides an allowance for food and housing while I’m in school.
What keeps you pushing forward in your education and career?
I like to achieve, always be ahead. Three months before I graduated, I was applying at various companies but didn’t have enough field experience. SJVC put in a good word for me, and this company hired me before I even finished the (HVAC-R) program.
My work ethic, my core values – doing the right thing even when no one is looking, just trying to be a good person and help somebody – helps me achieve what I want in life.
How do you feel about this off-work time in your life?
I wake up, make my kids’ breakfast, do basic reading/writing/play time. It’s a great – though definitely scary – responsibility. I have to be my absolute best because my son copies everything I do. I have to be the best example I can because he’s going to remember all this.
Eventually I’ll go back to work full time, and I’ll just see them at the end of the day.
What does your future look like?
I’ll probably be a supervisor in a HVAC-R setting, helping others learn, giving them the knowledge I’ve gained over the years.
I was joking with my wife about being in a substitute teaching position; I would love that. At some point I will reach out to SJVC.
