My name is Carter Kitts and I am currently a student at Rosedale Technical College for Automotive Technology. I have always had a deep respect and adoration for the trades. My fondness of tools and working with my hands came from a desire to be just like my grandfather. He was an independent contractor who built a successful business through hard work and determination. As a young boy, I could often be found shirtless, with a tool belt around my waist, and a hammer in my hand working next to him. I knew every tool by name and desired to learn how to use it. He was always patient with me and eager to share his skills. When some kids were learning to ride a bike, I was practicing operating a drill. By the time I was a teen, I became a hired worker on his jobs during the summer months. Working in construction helped me to gain knowledge in many different areas and it never ceased to amaze me that he could look at a set of blueprints and turn the vision on paper into a beautiful new home. My grandfather taught me so much more than just how to perform the tasks of his trade. He taught me how to work hard and to be proud of my job. He taught me how to use my hands to create something and my ingenuity to solve problems. He also taught me to treat everyone I met with respect. I believe that his business was successful because of the trust he built with his customers. They knew he was a man of integrity and I hope to be known as the same. It was apparent to me as I began to explore my own career path that I could use my talents and problem solving skills in a different profession. An area that I found myself passionate about was the mechanics of an engine. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that I could talk about engines all day. Not just car and truck engines, but truly anything that runs. I enjoy spending my free time tinkering with all kinds of machines. My enthusiasm for mechanics and adoration of automobiles led me to pursue a career as an automotive mechanic. Ever since I was a boy, I have loved learning how automobiles function. This desire to learn continues to drive me to work harder each day. A career as an automotive technician allows me to use my problem solving skills at work. Each day, a new assignment will arise. First, the need to diagnose the problem and then setting to work to get it fixed. I would not only love the challenge, but also the satisfaction of seeing the results of my work. I believe job satisfaction is important for an enjoyable, lifelong career. Mark Twain said it best, "Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

My name is Carter Kitts and I am a recent high school graduate preparing to start classes next week at Rosedale Technical College for Automotive Technology. I have always had a deep respect and adoration for the trades. My fondness of tools and working with my hands came from a desire to be just like my grandfather. He was an independent contractor who built a successful business through hard work and determination. As a young boy, I could often be found shirtless, with a tool belt around my waist, and a hammer in my hand working next to him. I knew every tool by name and desired to learn how to use it. He was always patient with me and eager to share his skills. When some kids were learning to ride a bike, I was practicing operating a drill. I constructed many projects from the wood and nails that he had laying around his garage. Each birthday or holiday, my grandpa would surprise me with a new tool. He was building my collection and my confidence. By the time I was a teen, I became a hired worker on his jobs during the summer months. Working in construction helped me to gain knowledge in many different areas and it never ceased to amaze me that he could look at a set of blueprints and turn the vision on paper into a beautiful new home. My grandfather taught me so much more than just how to perform the tasks of his trade. He taught me how to work hard and to be proud of my job. He taught me how to use my hands to create something and my ingenuity to solve problems. He taught me to treat everyone I met with respect. I believe that his business was so successful because of the trust he built with his customers. They knew he was a man of integrity and I hope to be known as the same. He is definitely the person who motivated me to pursue a career in the trades. It was apparent to me as I began to explore my own career path that I could use my talents and problem solving skills in a different profession. Another area that I found myself passionate about was the mechanics of an engine. You could ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that I could talk about engines all day. Not just car and truck engines, but truly anything that runs. I enjoy spending my free time tinkering with all kinds of machines. A hobby of mine, for as long as I can remember, is finding old equipment in need of repair. It's usually something that someone else has tossed aside. My goal is to bring it back to life. I started off small with chainsaws and weed whackers and built my way up to ATV's, lawnmowers, and dirt bikes. It's a challenge and I love the thrill of hearing that engine as it fires up once again. My enthusiasm for mechanics and fascination with automobiles led me to pursue a career as an automotive mechanic. I believe that mechanics are essential to keep our country up and running smoothly. They provide the necessary repairs and maintenance to the vehicles we depend on. The trades have played a significant role in the development of the United States. I want to utilize my problem solving abilities and technical knowledge to contribute to the success of our country in the future.

While society prioritizes four year college degrees, I believe that a career in the trades will give me a promising future. I plan to attend Rosedale Technical College for Automotive Technology after graduating high school this year. Choosing Rosedale will allow me to have hands-on training with instruction in an environment similar to my prospective workplace. Trade schools focus on specific job related tasks and developing the skills needed for the future position. This type of training would enable me to be ready to step into my new job role immediately after graduation. I will be earning an income sooner than others my age and in less time. With the ability to gain an associate's degree in under two years at Rosedale, I'll have an opportunity to continue my education if I desire. I realize that additional skills, along with job experience, will increase my earning potential. For this reason, I want to continue my training to include Auto Body and Collision Repair. This will make me more valuable to my employer and enable me to provide further services to the customers. Careers in the trades, though often overlooked, are essential to provide services to our society and keep our nation functioning. Working in the trades as a mechanic will not only give me job security and a well paid salary, it will also give me the ability to help those in my community. Automobiles have been around for over a century now. They greatly impact our country. Even with improvements in technology, cars will always require maintenance. Today, nearly every American owns a car and is dependent on it to get around. Mechanics play a vital role in keeping those vehicles running smoothly. Our nation would literally come to a screeching halt without reliable transportation. Dependable mechanics are necessary and I want to be known as an honest and trustworthy mechanic who can perform the required repairs at a fair cost. My grandfather and great grandfather are my greatest inspirations. My great grandfather suffered from dementia by the time I was a toddler, I discovered his incredible passion for inventing after he passed, while helping to clean out his garage. He was clever, designing tools to achieve daily tasks in a simplified manner. I believe my creativity and innovative nature take after him. My work ethic comes from my grandfather. He is one of the hardest workers I know and he is a man of integrity. Two qualities I hope to be known for also. Finally, I believe that attending a trade school will empower me to follow my dreams. I chose to pursue automotive technology because automobiles are what I'm passionate about. Ever since I was a child, I loved any type of vehicle, from cars and trucks to trains and airplanes. I was eager to discover everything about them. What made them move? Why did they need gas? My curiosity led me to begin taking my toys apart to learn. Later in my teens, I began to break down and rebuild small engines. This passion to learn more continues to drive me. A career as an automotive technician would allow me to use my problem solving skills. Each day, a new assignment would arise. First, the need to diagnose the problem and then setting to work fixing it. I would love the challenge and the satisfaction of seeing the results of my work. I believe job satisfaction is important for an enjoyable, lifelong career. Mark Twain said it best, "Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

I have loved automobiles for as long as I can remember. As a young boy, I spent most days pushing around a toy car, loading my dump truck full of sand, or driving around the yard in my Jeep Power Wheel. I wanted to learn how they worked and enjoyed taking my toys apart to study what pieces made them up. Cars and trucks were fascinating to me and they still are. I enjoy seeing the newest designs, but favor the oldies and classics. My inquisitive nature as a young boy soon led me to break down small engines with a desire to learn how they functioned. My first work with engines began when an elderly neighbor gave me an antique lawnmower as a gift. The mower gave out one day and I was not ready to give up this favorite ride of mine, so I took it apart and rebuilt the engine. This was not only a great learning experience, but it also taught me about persistence and hard work. I found that finishing the project was incredibly rewarding and I wanted to pursue more. It was not long before our house garage began to fill up with my projects including tractors, chainsaws, rototillers, dirt bikes, and my ATV. Performing regular maintenance and repairs allowed me to work with my hands, gaining both knowledge of the parts and the tools needed to repair them. I discovered that I loved the problem solving involved with diagnosing the issue and working with my hands to fix it. My parents have patiently accepted a cluttered garage space, viewing it as a learning opportunity for me. This work space has given me a place to build my confidence and solidify my desire to pursue a career as an automotive technician. Starting a job last summer as an apprentice for a small business, Stinkin Lincoln, has given me the opportunity to work alongside the owner and acquire more skills. I am responsible for breaking down old Lincoln Town Cars to be sold for parts, then stocking, packaging, and shipping those parts as needed. Participating in various projects such as installation of exhaust systems, lowering blocks, and other upgrades has taught me a great deal. Having the ability to see the intricate details of these antique cars has given me a love for older vehicles. It is impressive to observe the body styles, chrome accents, and advanced luxury features. My adoration for older vehicles continues to grow and will definitely play a part in my future goals. I plan to pursue an education in both Automotive Technology and Auto Body & Collision Repair. My ultimate goal is to open a garage of my own, focusing solely on restoring classic and antique vehicles. I love these old cars! The quality, body style, and accessories are unlike anything we see today. My customers will get to decide whether to bring their vehicle back to it's original "off the line" condition or modify it to their own unique style by collaborating with an automotive concept designer. My desire is to attract car enthusiasts and ignite the passion for vintage, antique, and classic automobiles. Being able to use my creativity and skills to transform a forgotten car into a cherished treasure would be incredibly rewarding. I believe job satisfaction is important for an enjoyable, lifelong career. Mark Twain said it best, "Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

I am currently a high school senior quickly approaching graduation and I am eager to begin the next chapter of my life. The decision to attend Rosedale Technical College to pursue Automotive Technology was an easy choice for me. While many young adults struggle to choose a future career, I had no doubts that I was making the right decision. I believe if you center your job around something you are passionate about then you will lead a happy life. I have loved automobiles for as long as I can remember. As a young boy, I spent most days pushing around a toy car, loading my dump truck full of sand, or driving around the yard in my Jeep Power Wheel. Cars and trucks were fascinating to me and they still are. I enjoy seeing the newest designs, but favor the oldies and classics. My dream is to one day have my own garage where I will do full restorations of these classic vehicles. Another reason I am choosing a career as an automotive technician is my ability to think creatively and solve problems. Early in my childhood, I discovered that taking my toys apart would not only allow me to see what they were made up of but also how they operated. Once the pieces were laid out in front of me, I got to decide whether to rebuild the original or create something new and different. One of my favorite pastimes was making my own Lego designs. If given a loose bin of Legos, I could picture a vehicle in my mind and easily make a toy replica of it. As I got older, I began to tinker with small engines in a desire to learn more. I would break down old equipment that was no longer functioning intending to get it running again. It’s very satisfying to fire up the engine knowing that you were able to solve the problem. Working in a garage as an automotive technician means facing a new challenge daily. I look forward to a job where every day will bring a new task that keeps me engaged and constantly learning. Job security is another reason for pursuing this career path. With approximately ninety percent of American households owning at least one vehicle, technicians are necessary to keep those vehicles operating. Technology may continue to change the automobile, but there will always be a need for maintenance and repairs. I believe with experience and hard work that my career choice will earn a comfortable income for my family. A career in the automotive industry will have a positive impact on my community as well. Having a reliable and trustworthy individual to turn to for advice and service on your vehicle is important to ensure safe functioning transportation. I want to first be a dependable employee who shows up and works hard. Then one day, I hope to be a shop owner that my neighbors can count on. Character attributes to success. My character reflects my morals and integrity. I believe honesty is important to customers and reputation will gain their confidence in your abilities. Using my skills to serve those in my community will make my career choice even more rewarding.

I am a high school senior planning to attend Rosedale Technical College for Automotive Technology. I believe that a future in the trades will empower me because automobiles are what I'm passionate about. My fondness of vehicles began when I was very young, pushing around model cars and trucks. I wanted to learn how they worked and enjoyed taking my toys apart to study what pieces made them up. My inquisitive nature later led me to break down small engines with a desire to learn how they functioned. My first work with engines began when an elderly neighbor gave me an antique lawnmower as a gift. The mower gave out one day and I was not ready to give up this favorite ride of mine, so I took it apart and rebuilt the engine. This was a great learning experience that taught me about persistence and hard work. I found that finishing the project was incredibly rewarding and I wanted to pursue more. It was not long before our house garage began to fill up with my projects including tractors, chainsaws, dirt bikes, and my ATV. Performing regular maintenance and repairs allowed me to work with my hands, gaining both knowledge of the parts and the tools needed to repair them. I discovered that I loved the problem solving involved with first diagnosing the issue and then working with my hands to fix it. My parents have patiently accepted a cluttered garage space, viewing it as a learning opportunity for me. This work space has given me a place to build my confidence and solidify my desire to pursue a career as a mechanic. Starting a job last summer as an apprentice for a small business, Stinkin Lincoln, has given me the opportunity to work alongside the owner and acquire more skills. I am responsible for breaking down old Lincoln Town Cars to be sold for parts, then stocking, packaging, and shipping those parts as needed. Participating in various projects such as installation of exhaust systems, lowering blocks, and other upgrades has taught me a great deal. Having the ability to see the intricate details of these antique cars has given me a love for older vehicles. It is impressive to observe the body styles, chrome accents, and advanced luxury features. My adoration for older vehicles continues to grow and will definitely play a part in my future goals. My ultimate goal is to open a garage of my own, focusing solely on restoring classic and antique vehicles. I love these old cars! The quality, body style, and accessories are unlike anything we see today. Being highly motivated, I am confident that I will have a successful career in this trade after gaining the knowledge and skills necessary. My plans are to finish the automotive technology program and continue schooling for autobody and collision repair. My hard work and attention to detail will drive me to perform quality work. My morals and integrity will enable people to trust me with their valuable automobiles. Success to me means reaching your goals, performing a job at the best of your ability, and earning a comfortable living for yourself and your family. Being able to use my creativity and skills to transform a forgotten car into a cherished treasure would be incredibly rewarding. I believe job satisfaction is important for an enjoyable, lifelong career. Mark Twain said it best, "Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

When I was twelve years old, I learned about an opportunity to volunteer caring for horses and performing barn chores at a local ranch. My two cousins were the first to discover Ready Yourselves Youth Ranch and get involved with this organization. Eager to spend time with my cousins, as well as the animals, I decided to get myself signed up too. My mom took over the adult role for our crew and for the past six years, the four of us have spent every Friday evening together serving at this organization. The ranch is a local nonprofit Christian ministry that connects horses in need of rescue with children dealing with challenges and difficulties. The mission of this ministry is to provide equine services at no cost to children and families in the area. The owners, Micheline and Matt, work with only two paid staff while the rest of the barn chores and mentoring are done by volunteers. While I realized how valuable and necessary the service of every volunteer was for the farm to stay up and running, I never knew the impact serving there would have on my own life. Spending time with the horses has taught me many important life lessons. Caring for the horses requires concentration, self awareness, and confidence. These large, muscular animals are powerful and need to be respected, but they are also highly emotional and eager to please. Horses are inquisitive, constantly aware of their surroundings, and responsive to those around them. They should be approached with respect. Calmly and from the front while offering your hand to them for a sniff. We call that the "cowboy handshake" at the ranch. The idea is that a horse needs to trust the one who will be caring for or riding him. This may take time and effort as any good relationship requires. Horses teach us that actions speak louder than words. What you do stands out to the horse and builds their trust. They can not understand each spoken word, but they hear your tone and read your facial expressions very well. Body language and demeanor impact how they will respond to you. This lesson is so true about life outside of the barn. Relationships with people should be viewed the same way. Saying you will do something and actually doing it are different. I will be a better friend or coworker if my actions are a reflection of my words, demonstrating how I feel about someone. Volunteering with horses has taught me about hard work and not being afraid to get my hands dirty. Farms require a lot of manual labor, there are no days off. Horses need to be fed, watered, and have their stalls cleaned no matter the weather. I've gained an understanding of what it means to be reliable and responsible from my service. It means showing up to do chores, even on an icy cold or rainy day. It means passing on a Friday night out with your friends because someone is depending on you to show up and help them. I have found it rewarding to get my hands dirty completing tasks. I have loved getting outdoors and staying active through my time at the ranch. I have also realized the importance of living in the moment and enjoying the view. Some days when the chores are complete, we just stand back and watch the horses running in the pastures or marvel at the sun setting over the hill. What a joy to get to be part of a community making a difference in this world.

I believe that a future in the trades will empower me because automobiles are my passion. My fondness of vehicles began when I was very young, pushing around model cars and trucks. I wanted to learn how they worked and enjoyed taking my toys apart to study what pieces made them up. My inquisitive nature later led me to break down small engines. My first work with engines began when an elderly neighbor gave me an antique lawnmower as a gift. The mower gave out one day and I was not ready to give up this favorite ride of mine, so I took it apart and rebuilt the engine. The tractor was a great learning experience, teaching me about persistence and hard work. I found that finishing the project was incredibly rewarding and I wanted to pursue more. It was not long before our house garage began to fill up with my projects including tractors, chainsaws, dirt bikes, and my ATV. Performing regular maintenance and repairs allows me to work with my hands, gaining both knowledge of parts and the tools needed to repair them. I discovered that I loved the problem solving involved with diagnosing the issue, then working to fix it. My parents patiently accept a cluttered garage space, viewing it as a learning opportunity. This work space has given me a place to build my confidence and solidify my desire to pursue a career as a mechanic. I currently work as an apprentice for a small business, Stinkin Lincoln. Working alongside the owner has given me an opportunity to acquire more skills. I am responsible for breaking down old Lincoln Town Cars to be sold for parts, then stocking, packaging, and shipping them as needed. Participating in various projects like installation of exhaust systems, lowering blocks, and other upgrades has taught me a great deal. Being able to see the intricate details of these antique cars has given me a love for older vehicles. The body styles, chrome accents, and advanced luxury features are impressive. My adoration for antiques continues to grow and will play a part in my future goals. With high school graduation approaching in May 2025, I am excited for my next step towards achieving my goal. I plan to attend Rosedale Technical College for Automotive Technology to gain the skills needed for my career. The program has a four day school week, allowing me to continue working in a garage earning money and gaining valuable experience. After completing the first program, I plan to continue my education studying Collision Repair Technology at Rosedale. Having these additional skills will enable me to not only fix the engine, but also repair and paint the exterior. Both courses are necessary for the type of restoration work I desire to offer my future customers. My ultimate goal is to open a garage of my own, focusing solely on restoring classic and antique vehicles. I love these old cars! The quality, body style, and accessories are unlike anything we see today. My customers will get to decide whether to bring their vehicle back to it's original "off the line" condition or modify it to their own unique style. My desire is to attract car enthusiasts, igniting passion for antique and classic automobiles. Being able to use my creativity and skills to transform a forgotten car into a cherished treasure would be incredibly rewarding. I believe job satisfaction is important for an enjoyable, lifelong career. Mark Twain said it best, "Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

1. I plan to pursue a career in Automotive Technology and Collision Repair after graduation. 2. While I have always worked hard to maintain good grades at school, I realized at a young age that I learned far more by working with my hands than I could by simply reading a book or listening to a lecture. I knew early on that a career in the trades was the right choice for me. Fortunately, I was able to gain some knowledge and experience in several different areas by working with my grandfather. He was a self employed contractor and would take me along on jobs with him. I learned about all aspects of the building process, including some electrical and plumbing. He taught me to weld and how to utilize various tools. I loved the times we had working together, but when it came time for him to retire, it was not my desire to take over the business. My true passion was working on engines. I realized that putting my love of cars and my love of fixing things together, I could build a solid career in automotive technology. That's when I knew it was the right choice for me. 3. As a child, my curiosity would lead me to take things apart in order to see how they functioned. I would examine the gears and pieces thoroughly before putting them back together. With access to tools and wood, I built many things in my younger days. I then became passionate about tractors, when I was given an antique lawn mower from an elderly neighbor. One day that tractor's engine blew up and I decided that I was not ready to let it go. I needed to figure out how to get it running again. This was my first experience working on an engine. The project turned into a full engine rebuild and restoration of the paint. My creativity has also led me to design inventions that allow tasks to be performed easier. Some examples are an innovative tool I created by welding a ratchet extension to a steel rod, in order to fit it into a tight space for a needed repair, and making a motorized gas pump to fill my ATV's tank with no lifting of heavy fuel cans. In the past few years, I began performing maintenance and repairs on both my ATV and dirt bike to save money. The experience has been very beneficial to me, as I look forward to working in this field. 4. My plan after graduation is to attend Rosedale Technical College for Automotive Technology. I have been accepted already and will begin class on August 4, 2025. The 16 month program is full time, running Monday through Thursday in the classroom. Having Fridays off will enable me to continue working while I'm in school. Last year, I began a part time job at Stinkin Lincoln and would like to continue working there. As an apprentice at this small business, I get to work alongside the owner. We take old Lincoln Town Cars apart and then ship the parts as requested all over the country. Customers also seek services for restoration or customization of their treasured cars, giving me an opportunity to take part and learn in these projects as well. After my first course is complete, I plan to re-enroll at Rosedale in the Collision Repair Technology Program. Having completed both courses will enable me to care for both the engine and the exterior of the automobile. I believe this will make me more marketable when looking for a job as a technician. Eventually, after getting some years of experience and saving some money, I would like to build my own garage and focus on restoration of antique and classic vehicles. What a sense of accomplishment it would be to restore a classic back to its former glory and preserve a piece of history. 5. Any member of my family could confirm that pursuing a career in the automotive industry is the correct choice for me. They have all listened to me talk about cars and engines for years. My parents have patiently accepted a garage filled with my projects, viewing it as a learning opportunity for me. The person who would recommend me for this scholarship most would be my mom. She was always the one who helped me with homework and guided me through these school years. My mom has seen me struggle with math concepts and put forth the extra time to get the work done. She has also seen my confidence grow through time. My mom would tell you that if granted this scholarship, I would not waste the opportunity.

My name is Carter Kitts and I am a high school senior planning to pursue a career in Automotive Technology and Collision Repair after graduation. My passion for vehicles began when I was very young, pushing around model cars and trucks. I enjoyed taking my toys apart to see how they worked and what pieces made them up. My inquisitive nature later led me to break down small engines with a desire to learn how they functioned. I began fixing small equipment like chainsaws and weedwhackers, gaining knowledge with each successful repair. I set up a work space in the garage and continued to work with my hands, eventually becoming confident enough to perform maintenance on my ATV and dirt bikes. My parents patiently accepted the cluttered garage space, viewing each project as a learning opportunity for me. I believe that a future in the trades will empower me because automobiles are what I'm passionate about. A career as an automotive technician would allow me to use my problem solving abilities each day. With every new assignment, I would get to diagnose the problem and then use my skills to fix it. I would not only love the challenge, but also the satisfaction of seeing the results of my work. Skilled tradesmen provide services that are necessary to keep our community functioning. A career as a mechanic would allow me to help people by providing them with reliable transportation. Dependable mechanics are essential to ensure that people are able to get where they need to be. Ethics affect how people make decisions and lead their lives. I believe that not only my strong work ethic, but also my morals and values will set me apart in my career. My family has always emphasized service to others as a priority. My parents both work in the healthcare field, providing care to the sick or injured. I have seen the sacrifice that is necessary to provide constant care to those in need of services. Healthcare workers consistently work holidays, weekends, and a variety of shifts to be available to patients. Their dedication has given me the drive to serve others well and with integrity. I have learned many valuable lessons throughout my childhood from our experiences volunteering at both church and a local nonprofit ranch. For the past six years, I have spent my Friday evenings volunteering at Ready Yourselves Youth Ranch. The facility is a non-profit ministry that provides equine therapy at no cost to children who have undergone a trauma or are facing a struggle in their lives. The ranch operates with only two paid staff and runs primarily by volunteers performing every day tasks. My duties include various barn chores, like caring for and feeding the horses, maintaining equipment, or repairing the barn structures. It is definitely a sacrifice whenever I have to pass on an opportunity to hang out with friends on a Friday evening or when the weather is freezing and we're working outside in the cold, but I know that I'm making a difference. Serving throughout my high school years at church has also given me a passion to help others. I have spent many weeks of each summer leading Bible Camp. My role is to not only entertain these young campers, but also show the kids how much they matter to God. It has been very rewarding to be able to influence another, realizing how many people in my life have been there to guide me.

My name is Carter Kitts and I am a high school senior planning to attend Rosedale Technical College in the fall for Automotive Technology. My passion for cars began when I was very young and has continued to grow through the years. As a toddler, I was fascinated with anything that moved. Cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes were some of my favorite things. My curiosity grew and my desire to learn how motors functioned led me to collect old equipment which stopped working. I spent countless hours in the garage taking small engines apart and rebuilding them. I began repairing chainsaws, weedwhackers, and eventually an antique lawnmower that a neighbor had given me. I found that I enjoyed working with my hands and was motivated by the problem solving required. I grew up in the country loving the outdoors and understanding about hard work. I knew early on that a career in the trades was the right choice for me. Fortunately, I was able to gain some knowledge and experience in several different areas by working with my grandfather. My grandfather was a self employed contractor for his entire life. He began to take me along on jobs during my early teen years. I learned about all aspects of the building process with him, including some electrical and plumbing. He taught me to weld and how to utilize various tools. I loved the times we had working together, but when it came time for him to retire last year, it was not my desire to take over the business. I knew my true passion was working on engines. I realized that putting my love of cars and my love of fixing things together, I could build a solid career in automotive technology. That's when I knew it was the right choice for me. Starting a job last summer as an apprentice for a small business, Stinkin Lincoln, has given me the opportunity to work alongside the owner and acquire skills in the automotive field. I am responsible for breaking down old Lincoln Town Cars to be sold for parts, then stocking, packaging, and shipping those parts as needed. Participating in various projects such as installation of exhaust systems, lowering blocks, and other upgrades has taught me a great deal. Having the ability to see the intricate details of these antique cars has given me a love for older vehicles. It is impressive to observe the body styles, chrome accents, and advanced luxury features of these cars. My adoration for older vehicles continues to grow and will definitely play a part in my future goals. My hope is to one day have my own restoration garage. To accomplish this goal, I plan to first complete the Automotive Technology Program at Rosedale and then enroll in the Collision Repair Program there. Having these additional skills will enable me to not only fix the engine, but also repair and paint the exterior. Both courses are necessary for the type of restoration work I desire to offer my future customers. My aspiration is to attract car enthusiasts and ignite the passion for vintage, antique, and classic automobiles. Focusing solely on restoring classic and antique vehicles is my dream. I love these old cars! The quality, body style, and accessories are unlike anything we see today. My customers will decide whether to bring their vehicle back to it's original "off the lot" condition or modify it to their own unique style. The satisfaction of using my skills to achieve and then see the end product will make this a rewarding career choice.

My fascination with automobiles began when I was very young. I loved anything with an engine and was in awe of how vehicles purred along, sometimes slow, sometimes fast, and what made them stop? So many questions that I was eager to discover the answers to, I was extremely curious. My first work with engines began when an elderly neighbor gave me an antique lawnmower as a gift. The mower gave out one day and I was not ready to give up this favorite ride of mine, so I took it apart and rebuilt the engine. This was not only a great learning experience, but it also taught me about persistence and hard work. I found that finishing the project was incredibly rewarding and I wanted to pursue more. It was not long before our house garage began to fill up with my projects including tractors, chainsaws, rototillers, dirt bikes, and my ATV. Performing regular maintenance and repairs allowed me to work with my hands, gaining both knowledge of the parts and the tools needed to repair them. I discovered that I loved the problem solving involved with diagnosing the issue and working with my hands to fix it. My parents have patiently accepted a cluttered garage space, viewing it as a learning opportunity for me. This work space has given me a place to build my confidence and solidify my desire to pursue a career as a mechanic. Starting a job last summer as an apprentice for a small business, Stinkin Lincoln, has given me the opportunity to work alongside the owner and acquire more skills. I am responsible for breaking down old Lincoln Town Cars to be sold for parts, then stocking, packaging, and shipping those parts as needed. Participating in various projects such as installation of exhaust systems, lowering blocks, and other upgrades has taught me a great deal. Having the ability to see the intricate details of these antique cars has given me a love for older vehicles. It is impressive to observe the body styles, chrome accents, and advanced luxury features. My adoration for older vehicles continues to grow and will definitely play a part in my future goals. With high school graduation approaching in May 2025, I am excited for my next step towards achieving my goal. I plan to attend Rosedale Technical College for Automotive Technology to gain the skills needed for my career. The sixteen month program has a four day school week, allowing me to work in a garage setting to earn money and gain valuable experience while in school. After completing the first program. I plan to continue my education at Rosedale, enrolling in the Collision Repair Technology Program. Already having completed the necessary courses for my Associate's Degree, will enable me to finish the second program in less time. Having these additional skills will enable me to not only fix the engine, but also repair and paint the exterior. Both courses are necessary for the type of restoration work I desire to offer my future customers. My ultimate goal is to open a garage of my own, focusing solely on restoring classic and antique vehicles. I love these old cars! The quality, body style, and accessories are unlike anything we see today. My customers will decide whether to bring their vehicle back to it's original "off the lot" condition or modify it to their own unique style by collaborating with an automotive concept designer. My desire is to attract car enthusiasts and ignite the passion for vintage, antique, and classic automobiles. Let's get ready for the car show!

My plans to one day establish a successful restoration garage of my own began with an early love of cars. As a toddler, I was fascinated with anything that moved. Cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes were some of my favorite things. My curiosity made me eager to learn how they worked. Desiring to know how motors functioned, I spent countless hours in the garage taking apart small engines and rebuilding them. I began repairing tractors, equipment, and my dirt bikes during my teen years. In school, I worked hard to maintain good grades, but quickly realized that working with my hands taught me far more than I could learn from reading books. I knew that a career in the trades would be the right fit for me. With high school graduation approaching in May 2025, I am excited for my next step towards achieving my goal. I plan to attend Rosedale Technical College for Automotive Technology to gain the skills needed for my career. The sixteen month program has a four day school week, allowing me to work in a garage setting to earn money and gain valuable experience while still in school. After completing the first program, I plan to enroll in the Collision Repair Technology Program and continue my education at Rosedale. Already having completed the necessary courses for my Associate's Degree will enable me to finish the second program in less time. Having these additional skills will allow me to not only fix the engine, but also repair and paint the exterior. Both courses are necessary for the type of restoration work I desire to offer my future customers. Cost of education is definitely a consideration when formulating my plan. My parents will likely help to carry some of the burden, however, my college of choice is costly and I will need to apply for student loans. There are less expensive trade schools in my area, however, Rosedale has an exemplary reputation. Smaller class sizes, higher standards for graduation, and having a great job placement rate make it worth the investment. Earning scholarships will help lessen the amount I will need to borrow. Graduating with a dual major, will give me the needed ASE Certifications in both fields and necessary Inspection Licenses. With less time in a trade school than a four year college, I will only be 21 years old when I finish my schooling. My plans are to work full time either as a automotive technician or possibly as an appraiser/claims adjuster to begin saving money towards my garage. Earning a steady income will also enable the purchasing of tools. I will then slowly begin my side business on the evenings and weekends. After saving money and building a clientele of regular customers, I will be ready for the next step towards my goal, getting my own work space. Ideally, I would like to purchase land and design the garage to be built. A loan will be necessary to achieve this goal and also a reliable contractor. The benefit of working for one's self and loving what you do is worth the risk. My ultimate goal is to open my garage focusing solely on restoring classic and antique vehicles. I love these old cars! The quality, body style, and chrome accessories are unlike anything we see today. My customers can decide whether to bring their vehicle back to it's original "off the lot" condition or modify it to their own unique style by collaborating with an automotive concept designer. My desire is to attract car enthusiasts and ignite the passion for vintage automobiles.

While society prioritizes four year college degrees, I believe that a career in the trades will give me a promising future. I plan to attend Rosedale Technical College for Automotive Technology after graduating high school this year. Choosing a technical college will allow me to have hands on training with instruction in an environment similar to my prospective work place. A career in the trades means schooling would be shorter and less costly than four years at a college or university. Trade schools focus on specific job related tasks and developing the skills needed for the future position. This type of training would enable me to be ready to step into my new job role immediately after graduation. I will be able to start earning an income sooner than others my age and with less debt from student loans. With the ability to gain an associate's degree in under two years, a trade school will also allow me an opportunity to continue my education and acquire additional skills if I desire. I realize that additional skills, along with job experience, will increase my earning potential. For this reason, I want to continue my training to include Auto Body and Collision Repair. Having acquired these skills, I will be more valuable to my employer and be able to provide further services to the customers. Careers in the trades, though often overlooked, are essential to provide services to our society and keep our nation functioning. Working in the trades as a mechanic will not only give me job security and a well paid salary, but it will also give me the ability to help those in my community. Automobiles have been around for over a century now. They greatly impact our country and even with improvements in technology, they will always require maintenance. Today, nearly every American owns a car and are dependent on that car to get around. Mechanics play a vital role in keeping those vehicles running smoothly. Our nation would literally come to a screeching halt without reliable transportation. Dependable mechanics are necessary to ensure that people are able to get where they need to be. Finally, I believe that attending a trade school will empower me to follow my dreams. I chose to pursue automotive technology because automobiles are what I'm passionate about. Ever since I was a child, I loved any type of vehicle, from cars and trucks to trains and airplanes. I was eager to discover everything about them. What made them move? Why did they need gas? My curiosity led me to begin taking my toys apart to learn. Then later in my teens, I began to break down and rebuild small engines. This passion to learn more continues to drive me. A career as an automotive technician would allow me to continue using my problem solving skills at work. Each day, a new assignment would arise. First, the need to diagnose the problem and then setting to work to get it fixed. I would not only love the challenge, but also the satisfaction of seeing the results of my work. I believe job satisfaction is important for an enjoyable, lifelong career. Mark Twain said it best, "Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."