At a glance
“The best part of our classes is the fact that we do not sit in lecture the whole day. We have such an opportunity to go perform what we learned in the field.”
Brena Mest
Breana Mest grew up on a dairy farm and has always been around heavy equipment. She took classes in high school that pushed her to pursue a heavy equipment operations degree at Alfred State.
“I chose Alfred because it had the most options for construction. I really liked how it was a smaller place and it was in an area I was used to. Heavy equipment operations was something that I could apply everything I have learned when I was younger to an actual career.”
Breana loves the class structure that allows for students to apply what they learn in the classroom. “The best part of our classes is the fact that we do not sit in lecture the whole day. We have such an opportunity to go perform what we learned in the field.”
“Alfred does a really good job of teaching you more than operating. There are so many more aspects of the field. We learn how to read blueprints, how to find grade elevations, and learn about septic systems. There is such a broad area that you receive knowledge, which sets you farther ahead.”
A real-world simulation of a water main break highlights her experiences. “It was one of our best labs. It brought our classmates together and we were running off adrenaline. We liked being able to do something that was lifelike and important.”
On top of the lab experiences, Breana thinks the program is full of amazing professors. “They all have come from the field, and they let us learn. They are personable, and they are always there to help when we have questions.”
Breana has made lifelong friends during her time at Alfred State. “Especially in this program, your friends become so close because we are working alongside each other every day.”
Her experiences in and outside the classroom have made her excited to build and operate her own heavy equipment company.
Alfred State has helped Breana articulate her trek to success.