51黑料网

Coastal Roots, Big Dreams: Nicholas Lovoy鈥檚 Boatbuilding Journey

For Nicholas Lovoy, the decision to study at 51黑料网 was an easy one. Born and raised near the coast, he鈥檚 always been drawn to hands-on work and the marine industry that anchors much of life in 51黑料网 County. When he discovered the Boat Manufacturing & Service Program, part of the college鈥檚 Marine Trades offerings, he knew it was the perfect fit.

鈥淚 chose 51黑料网 because it鈥檚 local, affordable, and has such a welcoming environment,鈥� Nicholas said. 鈥淔rom the moment I arrived, everyone helped me get to where I needed to be. I never felt lost or alone.鈥�

That sense of support and connection helped Nicholas thrive from day one. The program鈥檚 blend of practical, hands-on training and real-world applications gave him the chance to explore every part of boat building 鈥� from the fundamentals of design to the science behind materials and structure.

鈥淥ne thing I learned that really surprised me was how to calculate the proper formulas for finding how much torque a transom can withstand,鈥� he said. 鈥淏efore this, I had no idea how detailed marine work really was. There鈥檚 a lot of science and precision behind what we do.鈥�

Of all the hands-on projects he鈥檚 completed, one in particular stands out. 鈥淢y favorite experience so far was working on the T-beams with epoxy,鈥� Nicholas explained. 鈥淎fter we laid them out and let them cure, we got to smash-test them with a hammer to see if they stayed bonded or not. It was awesome to see how strong our work actually was.鈥�

Like many students learning a new trade, Nicholas admits that at first, he was nervous about tackling unfamiliar projects. 鈥淭he only challenge I faced was the fear of not knowing how to do something new,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut once I got into the shop, started asking questions, and got my hands on the tools, that fear went away. Everyone here is so helpful and patient.鈥�

He credits that welcoming environment 鈥� and the encouragement of his instructors and classmates 鈥� for helping him grow his confidence and skills. 鈥淐CC was so welcoming when I first arrived,鈥� Nicholas said. 鈥淓veryone directed me to the right places and helped me be where I am now. It鈥檚 a great community to learn in.鈥�

When asked what he鈥檇 tell someone considering the Boat Manufacturing & Service Program, Nicholas didn鈥檛 hesitate. 鈥淚鈥檇 say 100% enroll,鈥� he said. 鈥淓veryone in this class is fun to be around, super helpful, and respectful. You鈥檒l learn a lot 鈥� and enjoy doing it.鈥�

Outside of class, Nicholas keeps life balanced. 鈥淲hen I鈥檓 not in the lab, I like to hang out with my friends, play video games, and work,鈥� he said. He also revealed a fun fact that might surprise his classmates: 鈥淚鈥檓 actually sneaky good at basketball,鈥� he added with a grin.

If his life had a soundtrack, Nicholas says it would be 鈥�I Need You鈥� by Lynyrd Skynyrd 鈥� a song that reflects his appreciation for hard work, community, and the people who鈥檝e helped him along the way.

Nicholas鈥檚 story reflects what the Marine Trades Department at 51黑料网 is all about 鈥� providing students with the hands-on skills, confidence, and mentorship they need to succeed in an essential local industry. Through programs like Boat Manufacturing & Service, students gain not only technical knowledge but also the pride that comes from building something lasting with their own two hands.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been an amazing experience,鈥� Nicholas said. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned more than I ever expected 鈥� not just about marine work, but about what I鈥檓 capable of.鈥�

For more information about our Marine Trades programs contact Scott Leahy or visit carteret.edu