My name is Connor Gorczynski, and I am a senior at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois. I attended Gregory Middle School and Clow Elementary before that. From a young age, I've been fascinated by cars—their designs, engines, and mechanics. I spend much of my free time reading about automotive technology, watching restoration videos, and working on projects in my garage. Outside of cars, I enjoy hanging out with friends and playing video games. My passion has led me to pursue a degree in Automotive Technology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), where I plan to gain professional skills for a career in the automotive industry. One experience that helped me discover my purpose occurred during my junior year when I volunteered to help a neighbor fix his old pickup truck. Mr. Thompson, an elderly veteran down the street, relied on his 1998 Ford F-150 for medical appointments and errands. One day, I saw it sitting unused with a flat tire, dead battery, and faulty alternator. He mentioned he couldn't afford repair shop costs on his fixed income, and public transportation wasn't reliable. Using knowledge from online tutorials, my dad's guidance, and school auto shop classes, I spent several weekends diagnosing and fixing the issues. I replaced the battery, rebuilt parts of the alternator with used components, and tuned the brakes. Mr. Thompson shared military stories from when he worked on vehicles himself. Seeing his relief when the truck started again—and hearing how it restored his independence—was incredibly rewarding. This experience showed me how automotive skills can profoundly impact someone's life. It wasn't just fixing a machine; it was restoring mobility, dignity, and connection for someone feeling isolated. I realized my hobby could be a way to make meaningful contributions, shifting my focus from personal interest to helping others who depend on reliable vehicles but face challenges. Since then, I've intentionally given back. I've assisted family friends and neighbors with repairs like oil changes, brake pads, and diagnostics using my OBD-II reader. At school, I joined the automotive club and mentored younger students on basics in shop class. These efforts have reinforced my purpose: using hands-on skills to help others affordably and safely. This has solidified my choice of SIUC's Automotive Technology program. I want to build expertise in diagnostics or restorations, while continuing community repairs—perhaps starting a program for low-income vehicle maintenance. Fixing Mr. Thompson's truck taught me that true purpose comes from turning passion into service, and I'm committed to a career that lets me make a real difference, one repair at a time.