I grew up immersed in the automotive world thanks to my father. My dad has forever been my inspiration for where I want to go in this career field. Together, we spent countless hours learning about complex mechanical issues, diagnostics, and the basics of all things automotive. Watching him move from BMW Master Technician to Shop Foreman made me realize that there is a career path to follow within the company of BMW. As I began to learn the intricate details of the company, I noticed that the field is not only about fixing cars, but also about technology, advancement, and innovation. I soon began to set my sights on becoming a part of the industry. For the past two years, I have been enrolled in Automotive Technology classes at VPCC. I intend on enrolling fully into night classes for two years to gain my base courses, and then move to a university to earn a bachelor's degree in business management. I currently intend to work as a technician at BMW to earn money through community college. I believe this will give me a better base understanding of the field I will be moving into. I want to contribute to the growth and success of the company, and I know this will be possible with the right experience. The industry is evolving quickly, and I am ecstatic to be a part of it. I am confident that my background and determination will drive me towards a successful and fulfilling career.

My dad played a large role in my love for cars. His passion rubbed off on me, and we've spent tons of time working on them since I was a kid. He climbed the ladder through BMW and became a team leader and Master Tech. Nights of studying, hard work, and frustration with projects turned into an interest I couldn't escape. Now, as a high school student, I'm ready to turn that shared passion into a proper career. What makes my story somewhat different is that I am a girl trying to break down the idea that the automotive world is just for guys. Despite what people say, I have worked hard to earn eight Entry-Level ASE certifications through New Horizons Technical Education Center to prove that I am worth more than I seem. I am not just about proving people wrong; I want to bring something new to the automotive scene. I worked hard for my certifications to show that I am ready to tackle the tech side of cars. I don't care about what people think a girl should or shouldn't do, I am simply here to show that different ideas can make things better. I dislike being labeled as a "car girl" because I believe that women in the automotive industry should be judged based on work ethic and accomplishments rather than just the idea of being different from their male coworkers. I would like to prove my worth based on my experience and merit. In the future, I see myself bringing a different perspective to the automotive world. I want to challenge the old ways of doing things and work alongside the pros. As a high schooler who loves cars, I want to mix things up and show that hard work and a fresh outlook can make the whole automotive industry better. New ideas are what make the world continue to grow and change for the better. Thanks to my father, who worked hard for his place in the automotive industry as well, we now share a passion that I have chosen to pave my path through life. With 8 ASE's and a BMW apprenticeship around the corner, I am not just talking about it – I am doing it. When the time comes around, I know that I will always try and pave a better future for the automotive industry through hard work and fresh ideas.