The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Lindsey Richard of Groves smiled for the camera as she took her student ID - just one step in the enrollment process at Lamar Institute of Technology.

There was no question what she would study in college. She made that decision after breaking her arm in the third grade. It was then she decided to study radiology. Richard, who graduated from Port Neches-Groves High School seven years ago, eventually decided to attend LIT because she needed a challenge.

Richard is among hundreds of students who are enrolled at LIT this semester. Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 25.

Heather Cooper, who graduated from Community Christian School in Orange a few years ago, is studying sonography. Cooper has to take two more classes, and then she will apply to enter the sonography program.

“The human body is so awesome. It’s amazing how it is formed,” Cooper said. In her view, radiology only involves the bones, but sonography is a deeper study of the human form. For her, that makes sonography more exciting.

Jalisha Harry, who lives in Fannett, decided to pursue radiology. The Hamshire-Fannett High School graduate said enjoys Allied Health at LIT because “there are outstanding professors at LIT.” In addition, she said, she won’t have any problems finding a job after graduation because health career employees are in demand.

Lexi Brown of Port Arthur also decided radiology was the perfect fit. Brown currently works at a Nederland hotel to finance college. Brown attended high school in Sulfur, La., before moving to Southeast Texas.

Bailie Carr, who also was in line to get her college ID, has decided to study dental hygiene. “I took a dental assistant class, and loved it.” In addition, dental hygienists make a good living, said Carr, a graduate of Hull-Daisetta High School.

Sherman Sylvestine, 39, of Orange said he decided to attend LIT because he wants a better job and better pay. He plans on studying instrumentation. “Machines and electronics, that’s up my alley,” he said.

Friends Brian Mason Walker and William Kindon, both of Beaumont will study business and computer information systems at LIT. Walker, a graduate of the Eagle Academy in 2007, said “I want to make video games. I have some great ideas. I’m going to put them to work and make some money.”

Kindon, who attended Brownsboro High School in Tyler, said Walker has a vivid imagination. Kindon wants to write computer programs. He said he believes that type of job will be in demand because our society is becoming more and more dependent on computers.

Despite their major of choice, LIT is currently boasts a 99-percent placement rate for its students. For more information about enrollment call (409) 880-8321.