The main reason for my application isn`t because I want to change the automotive industry as a whole, I know that I wont be the one to do that, at times however it seems like I know who will. I`m currently going to school at a little place in Kansas called McPherson College. This is the only place in the country to get a 4 year bachelors in Automotive Restoration, that`s why I chose it. Not because it was close to home, but because it was the only place I could chase my dreams. While at school I`ve learned painting, sheet metal techniques, and even the intricacies of an automotive wiring harness. I have even got the chance of a lifetime through school. I got to work a summer internship at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. During my summer there I worked as an antique mechanic, working on Model T`s and Model A`s all day, every day. During my time there I discovered a passion for teaching. I would get opportunities to take one of the 1914 Model T`s into Greenfield Village, and just park and let people ask me questions about it. I showed them how to drive a one hundred year old car, and walked them through the very strange transmission system, and mainly how the Model T is just a tractor. It was many experiences like this that led me to where I am now. It all started with my family though. both my parents were small business owners and were hit hard during the Covid-19 Pandemic. This meant that my dad needed some help at his small engine repair shop, so I stepped up to bat. I learned just about everything you can about a 2-stroke motor, and then needed a larger fish. My great grandpa had a 1953 Chevy 210 Sport coupe that had been sitting in storage for years. I decided that would be my target. So i collected the car one day and got to work. The motor was locked up so that alone took me a few days. eventually though the car ran like a top. Then it came to the brakes, all 4 were locked up, so i rebuilt them. After some new tires, and checking the bands and filter on the Power Glide transmission, and having the radiator repaired, it was time to take the car for a spin. Everywhere the car goes, I feel closer to the people around me, to the road, to my family, and teaching people about the car and what sort of work goes into a restoration are some of the major reasons I want to go into the automotive world, not only as a mechanic, but as a historian, and as a teacher. Thank you. -Gavin M. Powell

My dreams have always lead me towards the preservation and celebration of history, specifically within the world of automotive heritage and automotive restoration. The dream of contributing to a distinguished museum or some sort of private collection, a curated chronicle of human ingenuity, fuels my professional ambitions. My formative experience, a summer internship at The Henry Ford museum in Michigan, solidified this passion. Immersed in the intricate world of antique car mechanics, I discovered a profound connection to the remnants of years gone past. The engagement with these mechanical marvels, the understanding of their inner workings, and the restoration of their former glory became a source of immense satisfaction. This experience unequivocally steered my career path towards the preservation and restoration of classic automobiles. Beyond the sheer enjoyment of working on these historical artifacts, I firmly believe that a fundamental understanding of automotive mechanics is a valuable life skill. While the intricacies of a Model T may differ significantly from the sophisticated technology of modern vehicles, the underlying principles remain surprisingly consistent. Basic maintenance, such as fluid changes and tire replacements, are essential skills that empower individuals and foster a sense of self-reliance. These practical abilities are not only applicable to vintage automobiles but also provide a solid foundation for understanding the mechanics of contemporary vehicles. Furthermore, the preservation of classic cars extends far beyond the technical aspects of restoration. These vehicles are not merely machines; they are tangible embodiments of history, reflecting the social, economic, and technological landscapes of their respective eras. Each automobile possesses a unique narrative, a story that deserves to be preserved and shared with future generations. Even a seemingly commonplace vehicle like the Model T holds immense historical significance. It represents a pivotal moment in automotive history, a catalyst for the mass production of automobiles, the revolutionary implementation of the assembly line, and the democratization of personal transportation. By preserving these artifacts, we ensure that future generations can appreciate the transformative impact of these innovations and understand the profound influence they have had on our modern world. Children, in particular, should be exposed to the legacy of the Model T, understanding its role in shaping the very fabric of our transportation infrastructure. The preservation of these automotive treasures is not merely a hobby; it is a vital contribution to our collective cultural heritage. My first car I ever really got the chance to work on and see completed, was my great-grandpas 1953 Chevy 210 Sport coupe. its not the quickest thing on the road, but every time I drive that car, I feel closer to my family, closer to the road, and closer to myself as a being. Those feelings shouldn`t be limited to just me, others need to be able to enjoy these unique experiences in one way, or another.