Keith Feliciano chose his career path with one clear goal in mind: job security. This spring, he graduates from Î÷ąĎĘÓƵ (The River) with an associate degree in HVAC (air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating) — and the skills to back it up anywhere in the country.
A Career Choice Built on Confidence
Keith didn’t stumble into HVAC — he chose it deliberately. “Knowing that I can always have a job and a career lined up for me whenever I finish school” drove his decision. Skilled trades stay in demand regardless of the economy, and Keith recognized that early. A good-paying career that travels with you anywhere in the country? That’s exactly what HVAC offers, and exactly what he went after.
High-Tech Training for a Modern Trade
The program at The River covered refrigeration, air conditioning, and the sophisticated diagnostic tools that today’s HVAC technicians rely on. Keith trained with digital manifolds, wireless probes, and wireless temperature gauges — equipment that reflects how technically advanced the trade has become. Modern HVAC work demands precision, and The River’s curriculum prepared him for exactly that.
Instructors Who Didn’t Give Up
Keith credits his instructors — especially Rudy Chung — as a major reason he succeeded. The coursework grew more challenging in the fourth class, where the material became more technical and in-depth. Rather than move on, his instructors went back and revisited concepts students had struggled with. “They made sure we competently understood what we were doing,” Keith says. Beyond academics, the instructors also respected the reality of their students’ lives. “They understood that we have another life outside of school,” he says. “They respected our work-life balance.” That approach kept students like Keith on track all the way to graduation.
Ready to Work
After graduation, Keith heads straight into the field. His focus is simple: find a career, keep building his skills, and grow. The HVAC industry rewards technicians who commit to continuous learning, and Keith enters it with a solid foundation and clear eyes. “You’ll always have a job, and you can go anywhere throughout the country,” he says. For anyone weighing a career in the trades, he makes it sound exactly as straightforward as it is.
A Surreal Moment, Shared with Family
When Keith walks across the commencement stage, family members will be there to greet him — along with a few classmates who made the journey with him. “It’s going to feel a little surreal that I completed the program,” he says. He also extends thanks to his parents for making sure everything went smoothly and to his instructor Mr. Chung for the guidance along the way.
His Advice: Just Go for It
Keith’s message to anyone sitting on the fence about an HVAC career is direct: there’s always a place for you in this field. “You’ll always have a good-paying job,” he says. The trades need skilled workers, communities need reliable technicians, and The River’s HVAC program gives students everything they need to answer that call.
YOUR FUTURE’S IN MOTION.
ARE YOU?
College doesn’t have to be confusing or out of reach.The River gives you the clarity, support, and energy to move—on your terms.
