Allen Hillegas

Background

About Allen Hillegas

I started my pursuit of a Bachelors of Science Degree in physics in 1981. My first experience at higher education was at at Highland Community College in general studies. After my first year, I wanted to pursue more challenging subjects and transferred to Kansas State University in the Nuclear Engineering program. However, this proved to be overwhelming and my grades suffered. I returned to Highland Community College, improved my grades and then back to K.S.U. As a first generation college student with low income, I struggled financially. I started working in the retail industries with Sears and A.F.E.S. This fit into my enjoyment of physical labor and my upbringing to be courteous to all. I excelled in customer service and appliance delivery. My desire to grow,learn, and improve myself continued with certifications in appliance repair and electronics. I started working for Walmart in Topeka, Ks in 1988 and got married later in that same year. I got a vocational degree in robotics and computer repair at Topeka Technical College in 1989. I was not finding work in the field and realized I would be happier either teaching students or doing research work in physics. Therefore, in that same year, I transferred to Arlington,TX to continued my education at the University of Texas. Trying to balance time with my family, work and school life was hard. Again, I struggled financially. I joined the U.S. Army in 1993 and was honorably discharged in 1995. I transferred to several other universities. I "retired" from Walmart in 2016. I never gave up on my passion for learning. Finally in 2020 I achieved my lifelong dream of a Bachelors Degree in Physics at Texas A&M University at Commerce. In August of 2022, I received my Masters degree in physics. My life has been consumed with dedication to task oriented skills, hard work, and helping others. One of my greatest pleasures in life is the 2017-2022 years of tutoring and teaching students. It is a pleasure to help others overcome their struggles in science and mathematics to pursue their goals and dreams. I love a good challenge and try to critically analyze every situation looking for ways to improve the lives of others and my own skills.