First-gen college student back in hometown September 21, 2021

“College wasn’t something we talked about in my family when I was a child and teenager,” Alex Mattey explained.  “I grew up in Midland in a single-mother household, and no one else in my family had gone to college. Attending Midland College opened many doors in life.”

Alex was born and raised in Midland.  He graduated from Midland High School in 2006 and then went to Midland College taking advantage of the Legacy Scholarship.

“I always had an affinity for math, so I took a lot of math courses and earned an associate degree in 2008,” Mattey explained.  “I also liked computer graphics, so shortly after getting my first associate degree, I started taking computer graphics classes at the Midland College Advanced Technology Center.  Within a year, I received a second associate degree, this time in Computer Graphics.

“I had some great teachers at Midland College.  I remember Tom O’Hara, my physics instructor.  I had taken a physics class in high school, but it wasn’t until I took it from Dr. O’Hara that it really ‘clicked’ for me.  I also enjoyed my differential equations class with Mr. Severino.  In fact, I remember students at Texas Tech driving down to Midland to take the course because of the small class size and Mr. Severino’s easy-to-understand explanations.”

After graduating from Midland College, Mattey obtained employment in Midland as a draftsman, and he also attempted to further his education—both at Texas Tech and at the University of Texas, Permian Basin.

“Funds were tight, and I made some foolish decisions, like buying an expensive truck instead of spending the money on an education,” he said.  “About 12 years ago, when I was working at Nicholas Consulting Group here in Midland, I worked with several engineers and really saw what engineers do and that’s when I decided that I wanted to go back to school to become an engineer.  

“A co-worker was taking a thermodynamics class online through Texas Tech, and I decided that would be a good start for me.  I was able to take the course while still working, and I did well.  So, I moved to Lubbock to enroll full-time at Texas Tech.  I traded in my expensive truck for a smaller car, applied for many scholarships, found a part time job at a call center, and got to work.”

In 2013, Mattey graduated from Texas Tech with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering.  

“Fortunately, most of my credits from Midland College transferred to Tech, so it only took me 2 ½ years to obtain a bachelor’s degree,” he stated.  “Things got progressively better from that point.  My first summer at Tech, I came back to Midland for an internship at BCCK Engineering.  I also joined many student organizations on campus, including the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and that led me to obtain a second internship at Chevron, which then led to full-time employment.”

Currently, Mattey is a facilities engineer at Chevron in Midland.  He has also worked for Chevron in Houston, but is glad to be back in Midland for the past three years. 

“My husband and I both have family in Midland, so having the opportunity to both further our careers and spend extra time with family is special,” he explained.

His husband, Alexander, is an engineer at Shell, and the two met while at Texas Tech.  They have been together 10 years and married for 5 years. 

“Alexander is my best friend, biggest supporter and brings out the best in me,” he said.  “We love to travel, but also stay at home and host game nights with family and friends. We really enjoy the holidays—Halloween through New Year’s, so we decorate the house and host lots of parties.”

When they do travel, Mattey said that one of their favorite destinations is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  

“During COVID, we welcomed the two most adorable Golden Retriever puppies, Lex and Lily, into our family,” he said.  “They consume a good chunk of our time, and we love and spoil them so much.  Lex and Lily even have their own Instagram account!”

The Matteys enjoy Cross Fit, tennis, and supporting the local LGBT non-profits.  The couple is also actively pursuing avenues for expanding their family through adoption and surrogacy.

“Life is great,” Mattey said.  “I’m glad that I was able to start my college education at Midland College.  I would advise other first-generation college students to do the same.  The class sizes are small, professors are personable, credits are transferable, and you can save money.  (And, don’t buy that expensive vehicle until after you complete your degree!)”