I graduated in May 2025 and am currently pursuing Diesel Technology and Welding. I’ve always been drawn to machines—especially vehicles—and how they work. I love the way every system in a vehicle connects, how one issue can affect everything else, and how solving a mechanical problem takes patience, skill, and real thinking. Working with my hands is where I thrive, and nothing makes me feel more focused and capable than digging into a tough repair and figuring it out step by step. My passion really took off when my mom bought me a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 as a fixer-upper. That truck changed everything. I started by replacing the CV axle and fixing the coolant system, but I didn’t stop there. I resealed the gaskets, replaced both doors, repaired the exhaust, and completely rewired the electrical system—from the dash all the way to the engine. The wiring job alone took weeks of careful troubleshooting, cleaning, and testing. It was frustrating, but also incredibly satisfying. I recently built a custom headache rack in my welding class, which made the truck even more personal. Every time I fix something, I learn more. I’ve fallen in love with the process of diagnosing, planning, and getting my hands dirty to make something work better than it did before. Eventually, I want to own a square-body diesel truck and rebuild it from the frame up—engine, suspension, electrical, interior—every detail. That’s the kind of deep, hands-on work I dream about. My goal is to become a mobile diesel and welding technician. I want to travel and work independently, helping people wherever they are—especially when a shop isn’t nearby. I’m especially passionate about keeping essential equipment running, like EMS vehicles, fire trucks, and agricultural machines. Being the person who shows up, gets it running, and knows exactly how to fix it—that’s the impact I want to have. In 2023, I faced a huge challenge when I developed mastoiditis from an ear infection just before my 16th birthday. It caused extreme dizziness, migraines, and balance issues. I underwent several surgeries and was pulled from school for three semesters of homebound education. It was incredibly isolating—I couldn’t be with my peers or take part in hands-on learning. But even during that time, I didn’t lose focus. I watched car shows, read repair manuals, and made a plan for what I’d do once I was healthy again. When I finally returned to school, I dove into every automotive and ag mechanics class I could, while most seniors were taking minimum classes. I earned an Automotive Maintenance Certificate, which covers the first year of LCCC’s auto program. That felt like a huge win—not just because I caught up, but because I proved to myself I could do more than bounce back. I could thrive. Scouting has also been a huge part of my growth. I’ve been in Scouts since 2013, achieved Life rank, and recently completed my requirements for Eagle after receiving a medical extension. I’ve served my community through flag ceremonies, Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America events, trail and signage work at Pilot Hill, bench building, volunteering at the Laramie Soup Kitchen, and supporting the Interfaith Public Services 5K. This summer, I’ll be working construction with The Flannel Guys, gaining more real-world experience. My long-term goal is to run my own mobile repair and welding business and mentor younger students who might not realize how rewarding skilled trades can be. I don’t just want to fix engines—I want to build a future I’m proud of, with grit, service, and a deep love for the work itself.

1. I am pursuing Diesel and Welding technician, in effort to start my own business doing mobile diesel and welding technician. I want to travel, work with my hands and enjoy the slower pace of life (as being a Wyomingite is...). I wasn't always sure of what I wanted to do when I was a freshman, and I thought about going to college for computer and electrical engineering as a sophomore, but then I got sick with mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear) that triggered a lot of health issues. I was homebound for 3 semesters, I had physical therapy to learn to balance and walk, multiple surgeries, and a lot of down time. I knew at that time, once I got up and going, I wasn't going to sit around any more. One of the things I had to give up that summer was a school trip to Italy. I wanted to travel so bad. So instead of a trip, my mom bought me my first truck, a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi. I thought I wanted a sports car. But then when I was able to go back to classes in person, I had to take all of my missed non-core classes, and I chose automotive maintenance and Ag Mechanics. The day I got to get into my engine and improve it was the day I was hooked. I knew I found my passion. 2. I am just completed the first half of my Automotive Maintenance Certificate program in a joint high school and Laramie County Community College dual enrollment program. I am currently enrolled in Laramie County Community College's Diesel Technician Program for the fall 2025 semester, and I plan on starting their welding program and advanced welding program in the fall of 2026. 3. Back to the mastoiditis, I struggled. I was playing JV soccer as the goalie, I was in the weight lifting class, I was an active scout camping every month (in Wyoming, that's a lot of winter weather), I had just finished a week long trip on a sailboat in Florida (Seabase). And then suddenly, I was in Children's hospital for a week, I couldn't stand, I couldn't walk, I struggled with reading and focusing my eyes. I didn't know it at the time, but I was about to enter the rest of my high school years with what was a disability. I would sleep for days at a time, I lost my friends, my home was cage I couldn't leave. It took 3 surgeries and waiting for months for specialist after specialist to identify a path. Every time I got a cold or ear infection, I was back to square one. But, I still had to go to school. My workload was reduced to my core classes, math, science, English, history. I struggled through them. But thanks to my wonderful doctors, physical therapists, and my mom, I continued to preserve. Once I was healed from my surgeries, I was able to complete my senior year, make new friends, and discover a new passion.

I am currently pursuing education in Diesel Technology and Welding because I love working with my hands and figuring out how things work—especially vehicles and engines. From a young age, I was drawn to mechanical things. I used to watch Top Gear with my uncle, and I’d be glued to the screen watching them take apart and rebuild cars. That’s when I started dreaming of working on engines myself. My mom, who has always believed in me, even bought me a fixer-upper truck. That truck became more than a project—it was a way for me to learn, grow, and build confidence in myself. There’s something satisfying about diagnosing a problem and fixing it with your own two hands. I enjoy the hard work, the challenge, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. That’s why I chose this trade. Diesel mechanics and welding are skills that are always in demand, and they allow me to do work that matters—keeping trucks, equipment, and machines running safely and efficiently. My dream is to become a mobile diesel and welding technician. I don’t want to be tied down to one place. I love the idea of traveling, seeing new places, and helping people wherever I go. Whether it’s a broken-down semi on the side of a highway or a piece of farm equipment in the middle of nowhere, I want to be the person who shows up and gets things working again. As a Boy Scout, I live by the Scout Oath and Law. Being helpful, trustworthy, and prepared are values I carry into everything I do. I believe that being a mobile technician gives me the opportunity to live out those values by being of service to others, even in unexpected situations. This trade isn’t just a job to me—it’s a way to live with purpose. After I complete my training and earn the necessary certifications, my plan is to go straight into the workforce. I’d like to work for a company that offers mobile diesel repair services so I can gain experience and build my reputation. Eventually, I hope to start my own business, offering both diesel repair and welding in a mobile format. I want to create a service that people can count on—especially in areas where help is hard to find. In the long run, I also want to mentor others. There are a lot of young people out there who feel lost or unsure of what they’re good at. I’d like to show them that skilled trades like this one can lead to a fulfilling career, a sense of pride, and real independence. My education is the first step toward building that future. By learning Diesel Technology and Welding, I’m building the skills I need to turn my dreams into reality. This trade will allow me to travel, help others, and do what I love every day—and that’s exactly the kind of future I want.