Spirit of Alabama

Spirit of Alabama - Jefferson State Student Jason Wilder

 

This week's Spirit of Alabama is about determination and hard work, goal setting, family and leadership. It's a lot to cover in one story, but when you meet Jason Wilder and the people who support him, you'll see how all of those are connected. 

Wilder decided seven years ago that he wanted to go to college and get a degree in mechanical engineering. He didn't have the money -- there was no scholarship or grant -- but he got his education the old fashioned way: He worked for it.

Jason Wilder works at Metal Supermarkets in Fairfield, Ala. The company specializes in special-order steel products -- you call with specs for what you need, and they'll cut and deliver it to you. 

After seven years with the company, Wilder still enjoys coming to work every day.
"Everybody here is like a small family, we come to work, we know what we gotta do every day."

It's hard and hot work, but also satisfying and rewarding, Wilder said. 

"The guy who owns the place, he's a leader, he's a real nice guy," Wilder added "He's more of a, you know, let's not point a finger at what caused the problem, lets find it, you know find the problem, fix it and go on."

Owner John Kidd says running a successful business is really very simple.
"So, it's people, peoples the heart of your business you know. That's the bottom line, it's no more complicated than that," Kidd said. 

Kidd has two sons who also work here, and he treats the other employees like sons, as well. When Jason Wilder expressed interest in furthering his education, Kidd encouraged him, helped him with scheduling and occasionally provided a little extra money for tuition and books. 

"I'm ready to take the next step, I want to better myself, maybe work in an office or work where I'm making a little more money and have good benefits," Wilder said.

So, seven years ago, Wilder came to Jefferson State Community College. He worked through his courses slowly, taking one class at a time and paying for each one up front.
When we visited Wilder, he was finishing his final exam before getting his associate degree in mechanical engineering. 

Professor Tom White is proud of the man he considers one of his best students.
"He's persevered, he's stayed the course, he's taken difficult academic subjects and has done well in each of those and he's to be commended," White said. "A lot of younger students need to pick up on that and try to develop a strong work ethic and not give up.
With his degree under his belt, Wilder isn't quitting his job just yet. He said his boss has been good to him, and he'll take his time. 

"Five years from now, I'd like to be working for a big company like Alabama Power," he said. "I've always wanted to work for Alabama Power, it's been a dream. Or TVA, like a nuclear plant, or any kind of big company that I can really grow in and use all the experience I have to help a company out."

John Kidd won't be surprised at Wilder's future success stories. But, he's not ready to say goodbye, either. 

"You know, who knows -- maybe after Jason gets out of college, maybe we'll start an engineering firm and since we've worked together for so long and opportunities come along that's exactly what we'll do."

Jason Wilder wanted something, and he worked hard and never gave up. He's a good man, and a good example for us all. That's the Spirit of Alabama. 

Article by NBC 13 News Anchor Mike Royer