Growing up I have always worked with my dad and brothers on our personal vehicles as well as helping friends with theirs. This experience gave me a love for cars and fixing things that I carry to this day. It has gotten me through many new experiences as my parents divorced and their financial situations became more complicated. In my 20s I had a Chevy s10 truck that I inherited from my grandmother that needed lots of work. I did all of my own brakes and oil changes as well as replaced old parts like my water pump. Also I used to do my mothers brakes and oil changes when I lived in the same area as her. Both my mother and I did delivery work in San Diego so I became very proficient in everyday maintenance of our vehicles. My father also enlisted my help and my brothers help with fixing up his van that he currently lives in. While doing delivery work for Dominos I would help my coworkers and friends with their car maintenance and even helped to fix a bumper for my friends truck. Having these experiences with my family fostered a love for automotive work that I carry to this day. My parents divorced when I was about 11 years old and I ended up being a mediator between them. This effected my ability to handle stress and conflict between others. I have been working on these issues with the help of my partner and can confidently say I have made significant progress which inspired me to get further education. After my parents divorce my father became homeless and my mother moved to low income housing. Previously we were a family that was able to enjoy vacations out of the country so this was a big change to me. It has taught me to not take anything for granted and that to succeed you must constantly work hard to achieve your goals. Once I have received my certification I will find employment with either a dealership or other automotive shop to gain experience in customer care and vehicle maintenance. With this experience I will then study business and open my own shop that I can pass onto my children. being able to go to school an earn this certification as you can see means a great deal to me and my goals to provide a stable and loving home to my family and open my own shop. I appreciate your consideration.