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Andrea Ortiz

685

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My name is Andrea Ortiz. After having a 24 year career in law enforcement I decided to take a few classes that was completely opposite from my career. I decided to try Automotive Technology. This was completely different than my day to day responsibilities at the police department. My father has shown me a few things involving vehicles, however I want to expand all he has taught me. During work I made arrangements to take an Introduction to Automotive. I enjoyed every minute of the class and decided to jump in with both feet and give the program a try. These classes are a step closer to completing my Associates Degree in Transportation Technology with a concentration Automotive Technology. I am young and while I still have my health I would like to pursue this avenue within the automotive field. I think I would be a great employee and provide the business that hires me with new exciting information concerning auto repair. I think an added plus is employing a female. Many customers might feel their vehicle is properly being repaired and that a female within this career will not take advantage of them and provide them with the customer service they have been longing for. When I first started class it was rather intimidating. I have two other females in my class, however I was twice their age. I quickly made friends and gained much of the fellow classmates respect. This is my third semester and I look forward to my next semester classes. I am very close to completing my associates degree and any scholarship funds would help me in achieving this goal.

Education

Central New Mexico Community College

Trade School
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other

New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Bachelor's degree program
1993 - 1997
  • Majors:
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Automotive

    • Dream career goals:

    • Detective with Major Crime Scene Team

      Albuquerque Police Department
      2001 – 202322 years
    Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship
    To whom it may concern: I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for considering my application for the Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship. As an aspiring trade school student, I am committed to advancing my education and further pursuing my academic and career goals. Receiving this scholarship would provide invaluable support as I embark on the next chapter of my academic journey in pursuing my second career. In 1999, I entered a male-dominated career in law enforcement within the great state of New Mexico. I quickly had to prove myself to the law enforcement family as well as the community in which I patrolled that I was a competent, reliable, trustworthy, and brave. I made it my mission to become a well decorated and respected officer not only within the Albuquerque Police Department, but within the judicial system. I decided to hang up my boots in October, 2023 after twenty four years of dedicated service. I was able to walk away from a career I truly loved knowing I dedicated my life in becoming the best detective within the Homicide and Major Crime Scene Unit within the Albuquerque Police Department. Prior to me retiring I decided to take an automotive class at the Central New Mexico Community College. I wasn’t afraid in entering the male-dominated trade because of my law enforcement career. What I was worried about was entering a trade at the ripe age of 48. I quickly made a name for myself within the automotive program. I was reliable, not afraid to get dirty, and excelled in every automotive class I attended. I was recognized by several faculty members as a role model for other students within the program. I was also invited to become a member of the Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Upsilon Chi Chapter at CNM for my academic excellence and maintaining a 3.68 GPA. Furthermore, after serving my community and making a difference in the lives of others I would like continue this journey, but under a new career path within the automotive trade. Women roughly make up only 12% of all auto mechanics in the United States. I find it encouraging seeing other females pursuing the same career goal in mind. I want to mentor and show both men and women that at any age anything is possible. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my academic endeavors but also enable me to continue making meaningful contributions to my community. I am currently working on a program with Presbyterian Health Services to teach elderly clients in how to maintain a safe living environment and hopefully reduce the likelihood of them becoming victimized. I would like to eventually collaborate with Central New Mexico Community College and Presbyterian in providing trade services for the elderly and connect soon to be graduates of these trades with the elderly community. In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Debra S. Jackson Horizons Scholarship. I am confident that my academic achievements, leadership, experiences, and commitment to service make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. Thank you for considering my application!
    Brattican Scholarship
    I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for considering my application for the Brattican Scholarship. As an aspiring trade school student, I am committed to advancing my education and further pursuing my academic and career goals. Receiving this scholarship would provide invaluable support as I embark on the next chapter of my academic journey in pursuing my second career. In 1999, I entered a male-dominated career in law enforcement within the great state of New Mexico. I quickly had to prove myself to the law enforcement family as well as the community in which I patrolled that I was a competent, reliable, trustworthy, and brave. I made it my mission to become a well decorated and respected officer not only within the Albuquerque Police Department, but within the judicial system. I decided to hang up my boots in October, 2023 after twenty four years of dedicated service. I was able to walk away from a career I truly loved knowing I dedicated my life in becoming the best detective within the Homicide and Major Crime Scene Unit within the Albuquerque Police Department. Prior to me retiring I decided to take an automotive class at the Central New Mexico Community College. I wasn’t afraid in entering the male-dominated trade because of my law enforcement career. What I was worried about was entering a trade at my age. I quickly made a name for myself within the automotive program. I was reliable, not afraid to get dirty, and excelled in every automotive class I attended. I was recognized by several faculty members as a role model for other students within the program. I was also invited to become a member of the Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Upsilon Chi Chapter at CNM for my academic excellence and maintaining a 3.68 GPA. Furthermore, after serving my community and making a difference in the lives of others I would like continue this journey, but under a new career path within the automotive trade. Women roughly make up only 12% of all auto mechanics in the United States. I find it encouraging seeing other females pursuing the same career goal in mind. I want to mentor and show both men and women that at any age anything is possible. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my academic endeavors but also enable me to continue making meaningful contributions to my community. In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Brattican Scholarship. I am confident that my academic achievements, leadership, experiences, and commitment to service make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. Thank you for considering my application!
    Boots and Heels Scholarship
    Winner
    I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for considering my application for the Boots and Heels Scholarship. As an aspiring trade school student, I am committed to advancing my education and further pursuing my academic and career goals. Receiving this scholarship would provide invaluable support as I embark on the next chapter of my academic journey in pursuing my second career. In 1999, I entered a male-dominated career in law enforcement within the great state of New Mexico. I quickly had to prove myself to the law enforcement family as well as the community in which I patrolled that I was a competent, reliable, trustworthy, and brave. I made it my mission to become a well decorated and respected officer not only within the Albuquerque Police Department, but within the judicial system. I decided to hang up my boots in October, 2023 after twenty four years of dedicated service. I was able to walk away from a career I truly loved knowing I dedicated my life in becoming the best detective within the Homicide and Major Crime Scene Unit within the Albuquerque Police Department. Prior to me retiring I decided to take an automotive class at the Central New Mexico Community College. I wasn’t afraid in entering the male-dominated trade because of my law enforcement career. What I was worried about was entering a trade at my age. I quickly made a name for myself within the automotive program. I was reliable, not afraid to get dirty, and excelled in every automotive class I attended. I was recognized by several faculty members as a role model for other students within the program. I was also invited to become a member of the Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Upsilon Chi Chapter at CNM for my academic excellence and maintaining a 3.68 GPA. Furthermore, after serving my community and making a difference in the lives of others I would like continue this journey, but under a new career path within the automotive trade. Women roughly make up only 12% of all auto mechanics in the United States. I find it encouraging seeing other females pursuing the same career goal in mind. I want to mentor and show both men and women that at any age anything is possible. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my academic endeavors but also enable me to continue making meaningful contributions to my community. In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Boots and Heels Scholarship. I am confident that my academic achievements, leadership, experiences, and commitment to service make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. Thank you for considering my application!