When I was 16, I really wanted my own car to work on and fix. At 16, I got my first job at a pizza shop that was open late into the night. I would work 6 days a week, 4 pm to 3-4 in the morning. It was a very hard and demanding job, especially in the summer with a super hot oven, no a/c. At times, I would question myself as to why I am doing this. Other 16-year-olds were just hanging out with friends and enjoying the heat, but that's what also kept me going. I know by doing a job like this, it was going to teach me discipline and hard-working skills, and it did, even much I wanted to throw in the towel. And give up, I knew I had a goal and what I wanted, so every time I would remind myself what I am working for, yes, a car, but also all the skills you develop while working long shifts with new people. By doing all of this, I was able to push through and get through all the hardship that the job brought me. What led me to choose an automotive career was my lifelong interest in cars. I bought my first car when I was 16 in high school, after working at a pizza shop for 12 hours a day for about eight months during the summer. I am 21 years old now, and I have been constantly working on my car during high school to the point where I fell in love with its components and how everything lines up. It reminded me of a well-balanced family; everything needs each other to work smoothly and work at its best. I am excited to start this program because Lincoln Tech has the latest tech on all cars and provides amazing teachers and staff who are eager to teach us. Not only this, but they are partners with big companies like Honda, Mazda, and Toyota, and they also train in the facility where we go to school, if you were to get a job through one of those companies. They also are constantly having job fairs, introducing us to new companies and giving us the opportunity to network and get our name out there. The type of career I am aiming for is to potentially work for a big branded company learn as much as I can from them, become a master technician, and then, down the line, potentially open my shop and provide the best help by giving a family-type feeling to the business.

What led me to choose an automotive career was my lifelong interest in cars. I bought my first car when I was 16 in high school, after working at a pizza shop for 12 hours a day for about eight months during the summer. I am 21 years old now, and I have been constantly working on my car during high school to the point where I fell in love with its components and how everything lines up. It reminded me of a well-balanced family; everything needs each other to work smoothly and work at its best. I am excited to start this program because Lincoln Tech has the latest tech on all cars and provides amazing teachers and staff who are eager to teach us. Not only this, but they are partners with big companies like Honda, Mazda, and Toyota, and they also train in the facility where we go to school, if you were to get a job through one of those companies. They also are constantly having job fairs, introducing us to new companies and giving us the opportunity to network and get our name out there. The type of career I am aiming for is to potentially work for a big branded company learn as much as I can from them, become a master technician, and then, down the line, potentially open my shop and provide the best help by giving a family-type feeling to the business. When I was 16, I really wanted my own car to work on and fix. At 16, I got my first job at a pizza shop that was open late into the night. I would work 6 days a week, 4 pm to 3-4 in the morning. It was a very hard and demanding job, especially in the summer with a super hot oven, no a/c. At times, I would question myself as to why I am doing this. Other 16-year-olds were just hanging out with friends and enjoying the heat, but that's what also kept me going. I know by doing a job like this, it was going to teach me discipline and hard-working skills, and it did, even much I wanted to throw in the towel. And give up, I knew I had a goal and what I wanted, so every time I would remind myself what I am working for, yes, a car, but also all the skills you develop while working long shifts with new people. By doing all of this, I was able to push through and get through all the hardship that the job brought me.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a grave offense that carries significant consequences not only for the offender but also for their families and friends. The effects of DUIs extend beyond legal ramifications; they often manifest in emotional turmoil, financial strain, and a breakdown of relationships. Addressing this issue requires a dual approach encompassing moral considerations and technical strategies aimed at prevention. From a moral viewpoint, DUIs are a violation of societal norms and responsibilities. When individuals choose to drive impaired, they are effectively endangering not only their own lives but also the lives of innocent people on the road. This moral responsibility weighs particularly heavily when considering the impact on families and friends, who may suffer the consequences or witness the repercussions of a loved one's reckless behavior. Personally, I experienced the fallout from my cousin's DUI incident. He was arrested after a night out, which not only resulted in his incarceration but also caused severe distress for our family. My aunt and uncle were heartbroken, grappling with feelings of shame and guilt over their son's choices. Their experience highlighted how a single decision can ripple through a family, leading to fractured relationships and an overwhelming sense of loss. In addition to moral implications, the technical aspects of preventing DUIs are crucial in addressing this societal issue. Various strategies can be implemented to deter individuals from driving under the influence. One effective method is the use of technology, such as ignition interlock devices, which prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol content exceeds a specified limit. Additionally, promoting rideshare services or designated driver programs can significantly reduce the incidence of DUIs. Communities can organize campaigns encouraging responsible drinking habits and awareness of the dangers of impaired driving. Initiatives like these can foster a culture of accountability and reinforce the message that it is never acceptable to drive while under the influence. Moreover, education plays a pivotal role in prevention. Programs targeting high school and college students can enlighten them about the severe consequences of DUIs, both in terms of legal penalties and personal impacts. For example, sharing narratives from individuals who have faced life-altering situations due to DUIs can resonate with young adults, making the consequences feel more tangible. In my experience, participating in local outreach programs that educate youth about the risks associated with driving under the influence helped foster a greater understanding of the issue. The effects of a DUI extend well beyond the immediate legal consequences; they create an emotional burden and can fracture familial and social bonds. It is evident from both personal experiences and broader observations that preventing DUIs requires both a moral and technical approach. By fostering a culture of responsibility and employing preventive technologies, society can work toward minimizing these incidents. Ultimately, the goal must be to ensure safe roads for all and to protect families from the devastating impact of impaired driving. As we continue to address this critical issue, it is essential to remember that every effort counts and that change is possible through collective action.