Alec Harrison, a Moraine Park Mechanical Design Technology student, is taking big strides in his career after graduating from Campbellsport High School in 2022.

With a strong interest in mechanical design since middle school, Harrison decided to take advantage of his high school’s dual credit program to get a head start on his college education. Through the program, he earned 8 credits and a SolidWorks professional certification before graduating. 

SolidWorks is an industry-leading Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Engineering software. 

“I started working with the SolidWorks program back in middle school and was really interested in it,” Harrison said. “I kept working at it and was certified with a professional exam by the time I was 16.” 

Harrison especially enjoyed taking the Computer-Aided Manufacturing course at Moraine Park’s West Bend campus. Part of this course was contracted; meaning it was taught by a Moraine Park instructor. 

“I really enjoyed getting out of the classroom to do more hands-on work,” said Harrison. “My MPTC instructor, Mr. Jim Hokenson, is really skilled on the machines, and it was inspiring to watch. It made me realize how good I could get if I put that much time and effort into it.” 

Harrison enrolled in Moraine Park’s Mechanical Design Technology program and became an official student in August 2022. 

“My dual credit experience took time out of the classes that I have to take now that I’m a Moraine Park student,” Harrison said. “The overall experience also made the transition from high school to college a lot easier for me since I was already familiar with the school and instructors.” 

Harrison will graduate with his associate degree in 2024. In the future, He hopes to start his own business doing custom contract orders for bigger companies that outsource. He is already on order for his first machine. 

Outside of classes, Harrison stays busy working 40 hours a week as a farmer. He is also part of Moraine Park’s Promise Program–an opportunity for debt-free tuition. As part of the program requirements, Harrison spends time volunteering at his church. 

Are you successful in one or more of your classes at Moraine Park? Are you able to communicate effectively with students from diverse backgrounds? Are you willing to help fellow students achieve their educational goals? If so, please consider becoming a peer tutor and helping other students succeed.  Here are some great reasons to consider becoming a peer tutor.

1. Tutoring offers Flexible Scheduling: 

The average tutors spends about 2-3 hours a week tutoring.  You work around your schedule.  It may involve setting a weekly time or it can be on an as needed basis.  The tutoring sessions take place either on campus or virtually. 

2. Tutoring gives you great job experience: 

Tutoring in your program area will give you experience related to the job that you eventually want to do.  It is an opportunity to build your resume and shows that you are willing to mentor others. 

3. Tutoring can supplement your income: 

Moraine Park peer tutors are paid $13 hour.

4. Tutoring is a rewarding experience: 

Tutoring can give you the satisfaction of making a difference in someone else’s life.  For a few hours each week you can help another student earn a passing grade and advance in their program area.  Tutoring will build your self-confidence, listening skills, interpersonal and oral communication skills, empathy and patience.

5. Maintain subject knowledge: 

Helping others can keep the information fresh in your head and even deepen your understanding of a subject area.  In order to teach the subject to someone else, you need to break it down into smaller, easier to understand chunks which give you a greater master of material.

If you are finishing strong in one or more of your courses, please consider becoming a valued peer tutor.  Students interested in learning more about tutoring at Moraine Park can contact Mary at mdaley1@morainepark.edu or 920-924-6488. Additional information can be found here https://www.morainepark.edu/experience-mptc/student-resources/tutoring/.