My name is Felipe Molina, and I am 17 years old. I have always had an interest in cars and learning how to fix them. I believe that having the skills to repair vehicles is important and valuable for any type of community. When I was eight years old, I was diagnosed with an eye disease that attacked both of my retinas. Doctors said that I was not going to be able to see, but here I am today, still able to see. Even though my vision has changed in many ways, I receive eye injections that help reduce inflammation. Various accommodations were also put in place at school to help me continue learning. Through all of these experiences, I believe I have been shaped and prepared for whatever comes later in my life. Much has changed since I first learned about my condition. I realized that many new challenges would be part of my future, and the person I was going to become had changed. Although many of my interests changed as well, my passion for fixing vehicles never left. Over time, that passion shifted from regular cars to semi-trucks and diesel-powered equipment. Diesel engines interest me more because they are much larger than gas engines, which makes them easier for me to work on as someone who is visually impaired. Being able to clearly see and identify parts on a diesel engine gives me confidence. I truly believe that I could start something meaningful in the small community I come from in Nebraska. That is why I want to earn not only my diesel degree but also a business degree. I have always believed that I can do anything I set my mind to, and I feel that a trade fits me better than a traditional career path. I strongly believe I am capable of opening my own diesel shop one day and eventually starting a second business in another country where there is also a high demand for diesel work. Putting in the effort and dedication to reach these goals would not only benefit me, but also everyone who has believed in me. It would positively impact my community by supporting the agriculture industry in my state. Even beyond the country, skilled diesel technicians are needed because hauling and transportation are essential everywhere. I know that with my determination and work ethic, I will achieve my dreams step by step. This is the path I am meant to follow..

My name is Felipe Molina, and I am seventeen years old. I have always had a strong interest in cars and learning how to fix them. I believe that having the skills to repair vehicles is important and valuable, especially in communities that rely heavily on transportation and agriculture. From a young age, I enjoyed understanding how engines work and finding solutions to mechanical problems. Working with my hands has always felt natural to me and has helped shape who I am today. When I was eight years old, I was diagnosed with an eye disease that affected both of my retinas. Doctors told my family that I might lose my vision, but despite those challenges, I am still able to see today. Although my vision has changed and some of my interests have evolved, my passion for working on vehicles has never faded. Facing this challenge taught me resilience, patience, and determination, qualities that continue to guide me in my daily life. Over time, my passion shifted from working on regular cars to focusing on semi-trucks and diesel-powered equipment. Diesel engines interest me because they are larger and easier for me to work on as someone who is visually impaired. Being able to clearly identify parts and systems gives me confidence and allows me to work more effectively. Diesel mechanics has shown me that obstacles do not limit success when effort and commitment are present. I come from a small community in Nebraska, where agriculture and transportation are essential to everyday life. Diesel mechanics play a critical role in keeping farms, trucks, and equipment running. That is why I plan to earn both a diesel technology degree and a business degree. My goal is to open my own diesel repair shop and eventually expand by starting a second business in another country where skilled diesel technicians are also in high demand. I strongly believe that a skilled trade fits me better than a traditional career path. I enjoy learning through hands-on experience and real-world problem solving. With hard work, dedication, and confidence in myself, I know I can achieve my goals step by step. This path reflects my passion, my perseverance, and the future I am determined to build. I hope to inspire others who face challenges to believe in themselves and pursue meaningful careers. By sharing my journey, I want to show that perseverance, skill, and passion can overcome obstacles and create opportunities for success for future generations.

My name is Felipe Molina, and I am 17 years old. I have always had an interest in cars and learning how to fix them. I believe having the skills to repair vehicles is important and valuable for any type of community. When I was 8 years old, I was diagnosed with an eye disease that was attacking both of my retinas. Doctors said I wasn’t going to be able to see, but here I am today, still able to see. Even though my vision has changed and many of my interests have changed too, my passion for fixing vehicles never left. Over time, that passion shifted from regular cars to semi-trucks and anything diesel. Diesel engines interest me more because they are much larger than gas car engines. That makes them better for me to work on since I am visually impaired. Being able to clearly see and identify parts on a diesel engine gives me confidence. I truly believe I could start something meaningful in the small community I come from in Nebraska. That is why I want to earn not only my diesel degree but also my business degree. I have always believed that I can do anything I set my mind to, and I have often felt that a trade fits me better than a traditional career path. I strongly believe I am capable of opening my own diesel shop one day, and eventually starting a second business in another country, where there is also a high demand for diesel work. Putting in the effort and dedication to reach these goals would not only benefit me, but also everyone who has believed in me. It would positively impact my community by supporting the agriculture industry in my state. Even beyond the country, skilled diesel technicians are needed because hauling and transportation are essential everywhere. I know that with my determination and work ethic, I will achieve my dreams step by step. This is the path I am meant to follow.