By Sharla Bardin

Student credits her son and support from others for giving her the chance to pursue career in aviation maintenance.   

 

Jessica Johnson’s biggest cheerleader is also her source of motivation. That No. 1 fan is Miles, Johnson’s 17-year-old son.

   “Miles gives me accolades all the time,” Johnson said. “I wouldn’t be nearly as driven if it wasn’t for Miles, for sure. He drives me to be a better person.”

   Johnson’s son also is pivotal in her reason to enroll in Moore Norman Technology Center’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program.

   The single mom said the program has been a way for her to make a career change and to better provide for her son, who is autistic.

   “This will help me prepare for Miles’ future financially,” she said. “This gives us a lot of stability and that will help.” 

   Johnson said the support, resources and flexibility she’s experienced from Moore Norman Technology Center and the SunHive Collective organization — which her son is involved with — has helped her navigate the aviation program.

   “The faculty and staff here at Moore Norman Technology Center are incredible,” she said. “The administration, faculty and staff really have shown up for me.”

   While Johnson attends classes, her son goes to SunHive Collective, a Norman nonprofit that provides educational and enrichment opportunities for young adults with disabilities.

   Johnson, of Noble, said one of her reasons for choosing the technology center was the close proximity to her son while he’s at SunHive Collective, making it a quick trip if he needs anything or to join him for lunch. “It gives me peace of mind,” she said. Johnson said the organization has been life changing for her son, who is enhancing his independent and social skills through the program.

   While Miles is thriving at SunHive Collective, Johnson said she also is excited about the knowledge and skills she is gaining in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program. Students in the program learn how to inspect and perform maintenance, preventive maintenance and alteration of aircraft and aircraft systems. 

   Prior to attending the technology center, Johnson provided mowing services for government contacts, such as with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  She later began to look at different career options and said aviation has long been an interest of hers. Her father is a pilot, and “I have been a passenger in an airplane since I was five.”

   Johnson said her career goals include working for the Federal Aviation Administration or exploring job opportunities within aviation manufacturing.

   The student said another big supporter of hers while she’s attending classes is Jennifer Layman, a counselor who works with students in the aerospace, transportation and welding programs. Johnson said she values the encouragement and understanding she has experienced from Layman.

   “She has been instrumental in helping me through this program,” Johnson said.

   Layman said Johnson’s diligence is inspiring. “This is my 20^th year as a counselor in education. She is probably one of the most, if not the most, goal-driven and dedicated student that I’ve ever worked with.” Layman adds that Johnson is very passionate about her education and training. “She knows why she wants this goal to help better her family and provide for her son.”

   Layman said one of the rewards of her job is seeing students like Johnson who are determined to thrive as a student. “It’s so great to see these individuals, like Jessica, to see the success that they get from being a student here at Moore Norman Technology Center.”

   And Layman said those achievements also await other individuals who want to pursue career programs at the center. “The amount of resources that we have here helps every student be successful,” Layman said.