Saint of SF | Jeremiah Neal

October 13, 2022

"In my previous profession as a facilities and maintenance technician with Trinity Methodist Church, I often found myself coordinating service calls and troubleshooting air conditioning units prior to the arrival of the HVAC. I enjoyed the process of troubleshooting the problems and determined that I had a serious interest in learning more about HVAC&R (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration).

I'm excited about what the future holds and growth potential. I recently graduated in August and have already accepted a position with the Collier Company at the Polo Apartments. I want to build upon the skills I've learned through both facilities maintenance and the HARV program at SF.

I was dealing with some personal stuff when I first started the program. My sister had recently passed away and I was expecting my first child. It would have been really easy to give up, but the other students and SF instructors encouraged me. They were genuinely supportive.

I also sought assistance through My Brother's Keeper (MBK)[BROKEN LINK]. The information I received was tremendously helpful, especially in navigating issues with financial aid.

Going into a classroom and not knowing all of the terminology or even the fundamental basics of how HVAC systems operate was a little intimidating, but the curriculum introduced the elements and components in an easy-to-understand way and I built confidence as I went through the program.

Long-term I'd love to eventually have my own HVAC&R business and share my gift to the world, one day at a time."

-Jeremiah Neal, C.T.C., Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology

Learn more about construction certificate programs at Santa Fe College.