At 49 years old, Shane Horton Sr., returned to the classroom with a clear sense of purpose and a determination shaped by real-life experiences. Now an HVAC student at Mid Michigan College, Shane is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Facilities, Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning and earning a 4.0 GPA along the way. His path to Mid was not traditional, but it was intentional.
Before enrolling at Mid, Shane built a career across multiple industries. He led residential construction crews, worked on gas service rigs across several states, and served customers as a Pro Desk & Millwork Specialist at Home Depot. Each role strengthened his technical knowledge and problem-solving skills, yet something was missing. He was searching for work that offered long-term purpose and the chance to keep growing. That search ultimately brought him back to college.
Returning to school came with challenges. Shane balanced family responsibilities, navigated major life transitions, and made significant personal sacrifices to stay enrolled. Technology was another hurdle, as the classroom environment had changed dramatically since his earlier education. Regardless, Shane met the challenge head-on, committing himself to learning new systems and tools step by step. What could have been a barrier became another skill set mastered.
One defining moment came during Mid’s Student Showcase, when Shane’s project temporarily malfunctioned during setup. Instead of panic, there was confidence. His instructor, Ron Holmes, reassured the audience, sharing, “He knows how to fix it. No big deal.” The moment captured the spirit of Mid—trust, preparation, and an unwavering belief in students. Shane fixed the issue, completed the presentation, and walked away more confident than ever.
Shane chose Mid because of its strong HVAC/HRA Program and its reputation for being supportive and student-focused. From the beginning, he found more than coursework—he found community. “The instructors don’t just teach,” he said. “They encourage you, guide you, and genuinely want you to succeed.” That support extended beyond the classroom through faculty mentorship, peer encouragement, and meaningful connections that reminded him he was not walking this journey alone.
Hands-on learning quickly became Shane’s favorite part of his experience. Whether wiring systems, calculating refrigerant charge, or fabricating custom sheet metal, Mid’s applied approach turned theory into real-world confidence. Those experiences paid off when Shane received the President’s Award at the Ninth Annual Student Showcase, an honor that affirmed both his skill and his perseverance.
Today, Shane sees his education not as a finish line—as his momentum continues to build. He plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, with the goal of designing innovative systems that improve efficiency and impact lives. Mid gave him the foundation to believe that dream is possible.
“I wanted to share my story to remind others that education is never out of reach. With the right support and a willingness to show up, progress is possible at any stage of life.”
Whether it’s turning hard work into hands-on skills or transforming persistence into purpose, Mid Moves You.
