Antonio “Tony” Higgins is a second-year automotive student at Northland Pioneer College (NPC) and a proud Metallica Scholar. Growing up, Tony never envisioned college in his future. After spending much of his youth in and out of trouble, including time in the custody of the Department of Corrections, he realized he needed a profound change. “I was tired of getting into trouble,” he said, recognizing the need for a new direction in life.
Tony had long been interested in mechanics and spent ten years working as a tow truck driver before realizing he wanted to repair vehicles rather than tow them. At 39, he took a leap of faith and enrolled at NPC. “I wish I had done this sooner,” he reflected. “But I’m here now, and I want to learn.” He credits the Metallica Scholars Initiative for helping him take classes full-time and for giving him the support he once feared asking for.
Through his coursework, Tony has gained hands-on technical skills, including the ability to disassemble and reassemble a 1.2 Chevy engine. He admits he arrived as a “Mr. Know It All,” but soon discovered how much there was to learn. Along the way, he’s also built computer literacy and learned how to seek out scholarships and help when needed. “I’ve learned a lot.
Tony credits his progress to the support of NPC and the Metallica Scholars Initiative and encourages anyone feeling lost to reach out. “They truly have your back.”
