Trevor Fay’s interest in ocean environments went back to his childhood in southern California, and to his own father’s job as a marine biologist. Trevor was in his late 30s, working full time as a warehouse manager and raising two children, when he realized that a high school diploma wasn’t enough to get ahead. He decided to go back to school and turn his interest into a career, enrolling in the Marine Advanced Technological Education program at Monterey Peninsula College. Attending community college allowed him to work and also gave him the flexibility he needed as a single parent while he earned his Associate’s degree.
At first, Trevor recalls, the idea of going back to school was daunting. He knew he’d have to review a lot of math and science. But on the first day, he found that small classes and great professors put him at ease right away. His community college even helped him get a job farm-raising abalone, a giant snail that feeds on kelp. The Monterey Abalone Company paid his tuition, bought his books, and let him take classes during the workday. Trevor's employer felt that the education he was getting was valuable enough to pay his tuition.
The classes Trevor took gave him the knowledge he needed to succeed. He quickly learned how to use and apply geographic positioning and information systems, which allowed him to harvest kelp more efficiently and track the migratory habits of the abalone. He also learned about marine biology, as well as enough practical marine technology and electronics to install a new hydraulic system and improve productivity.
The biggest challenge for Trevor was balancing his work, school, and home life. What helped the most was the support he got from his supervisor and his children. And in the end, his hard work paid off. Since earning his degree, he’s not only working at the Monterey Abalone Company — he was made a partner in the business.