My family and I drove to Laramie, WY on Sept 19, 2024, touring WyoTech trade school on Sept 20, 2024. I knew I wanted to attend there, but wanted to see it in person. After touring the facility, my recruiter said that people were already registering for fall 2025. So with her help, I applied, mostly to get on the wait list for housing. Monday, Sept 23, 2024, I received an email that said I was accepted to the Diesel Program with a specialty in High Performance Powertrain, for September 2025. I will complete my high school credits January 2025, and then walk with my class at the June graduation, attending WyoTech that following September. The 6-month program costs $34,750 and housing expenses are $5400, also for the 6 months. I will be working part time, along with going to school, to cover fuel and day to day living costs. Since I will be done with my high school credits in January 2025, I will then go from part time employment to full time. My goal is to save for my housing and living expenses, prior to attending school in September of 2025. I am not receiving financial assistance from my family, it is up to me to cover and pay my way through school. I am a non-traditional student, have ADHD and attending a 4 year school would be a struggle for me. I want to get a further education and really want to work with my Dad and Grandpa one day. They own and work for Fenn's Towing & Repair, have a diesel repair shop, and working alongside them, maybe even running the company myself one day, is my dream. Going to a trade school, especially WyoTech, it offers a full time, 8 hours a day, 9 month program that will give me a more hands training, then sitting in a classroom all day. I applied for the diesel program, because that is what I grew up around and enjoy being a part of. It is important to me to work with my hands, and especially in Eastern Oregon, be part of the community that keeps our trucking companies in business. Affter finishing WyoTech, I will look for employment as a diesel mechanic in Eastern Oregon, then working with my family. Honestly? I am interested in the power train portion of the programs, because I like fast cars and want to build a pro-comp in the future. This program will teach me how engines can run better. Shortly after I turned 16, I began working part time at McDonald's. The hours were late and hard to juggle with high school, so I ended up working at Walmart instead, and have been there for 8 months. It allows me to work in a team environment and interact with people in our community. I have been working part time/on-call for Fenn's Towing and Repair since I was 14 years old (currently 17). I have had a variety of job duties: janitorial, shop clean up, learned maintenance on my personal vehicle there, welding, sand blasting, fabricating, and I have worked on many light and heavy duty tows and off road recoveries. I have pulled cable, site/wreck clean-up, drive pickups, haul trailers, handle equipment (air bags, tools, ladders), and am frequently the one that has to climb wrecks and help secure straps and cables. Fenn's Towing I literally grew up in. My Dad and Grandpa are 2 of the most important people in my life and I look up to them and want to learn more from them.

My family and I drove to Laramie, WY on Sept 19, 2024, touring WyoTech trade school on Sept 20, 2024. I knew I wanted to attend there, but wanted to see it in person. After touring the facility, my recruiter said that people were already registering for fall 2025. So with her help, I applied, mostly to get on the wait list for housing. Monday, Sept 23, 2024, I received an email that said I was accepted to the Diesel Program with a specialty in High Performance Powertrain, for September 2025. I will complete my high school credits January 2025, and then walk with my class at the June graduation, attending WyoTech that following September. The 6-month program costs $34,750 and housing expenses are $5400, also for the 6 months. I will be working part time, along with going to school, to cover fuel and day to day living costs. Since I will be done with my high school credits in January 2025, I will then go from part time employment to full time. My goal is to save for my housing and living expenses, prior to attending school in September of 2025. I am not receiving financial assistance from my family, it is up to me to cover and pay my way through school. I am a non-traditional student, have ADHD and attending a 4 year school would be a struggle for me. I want to get a further education and really want to work with my Dad and Grandpa one day. They own and work for Fenn's Towing & Repair, have a diesel repair shop, and working alongside them, maybe even running the company myself one day, is my dream. Going to a trade school, especially WyoTech, it offers a full time, 8 hours a day, 9 month program that will give me a more hands training, then sitting in a classroom all day. I applied for the diesel program, because that is what I grew up around and enjoy being a part of. It is important to me to work with my hands, and especially in Eastern Oregon, be part of the community that keeps our trucking companies in business. Affter finishing WyoTech, I will look for employment as a diesel mechanic in Eastern Oregon, then working with my family. Honestly? I am interested in the power train portion of the programs, because I like fast cars and want to build a pro-comp in the future. This program will teach me how engines can run better. Shortly after I turned 16, I began working part time at McDonald's. The hours were late and hard to juggle with high school, so I ended up working at Walmart instead, and have been there for 8 months. It allows me to work in a team environment and interact with people in our community. I have been working part time/on-call for Fenn's Towing and Repair since I was 14 years old (currently 17). I have had a variety of job duties: janitorial, shop clean up, learned maintenance on my personal vehicle there, welding, sand blasting, fabricating, and I have worked on many light and heavy duty tows and off road recoveries. I have pulled cable, site/wreck clean-up, drive pickups, haul trailers, handle equipment (air bags, tools, ladders), and am frequently the one that has to climb wrecks and help secure straps and cables. Fenn's Towing I literally grew up in. My Dad and Grandpa are 2 of the most important people in my life and I look up to them and want to learn more from them.

My family and I drove to Laramie, WY on Sept 19, 2024, touring WyoTech trade school on Sept 20, 2024. I knew I wanted to attend there, but wanted to see it in person. After touring the facility, my recruiter said that people were already registering for fall 2025. So with her help, I applied, mostly to get on the wait list for housing. Monday, Sept 23, 2024, I received an email that said I was accepted to the Diesel Program with a specialty in High Performance Powertrain, for September 2025. I will complete my high school credits January 2025, and then walk with my class at the June graduation, attending WyoTech that following September. The 6-month program costs $34,750 and housing expenses are $5400, also for the 6 months. I will be working part time, along with going to school, to cover fuel and day to day living costs. Since I will be done with my high school credits in January 2025, I will then go from part time employment to full time. My goal is to save for my housing and living expenses, prior to attending school in September of 2025. I am not receiving financial assistance from my family, it is up to me to cover and pay my way through school. I am a non-traditional student, have ADHD and attending a 4 year school would be a struggle for me. I want to get a further education and really want to work with my Dad and Grandpa one day. They own and work for Fenn's Towing & Repair, have a diesel repair shop, and working alongside them, maybe even running the company myself one day, is my dream. Going to a trade school, especially WyoTech, it offers a full time, 8 hours a day, 9 month program that will give me a more hands training, then sitting in a classroom all day. I applied for the diesel program, because that is what I grew up around and enjoy being a part of. It is important to me to work with my hands, and especially in Eastern Oregon, be part of the community that keeps our trucking companies in business. Affter finishing WyoTech, I will look for employment as a diesel mechanic in Eastern Oregon, then working with my family. Honestly? I am interested in the power train portion of the programs, because I like fast cars and want to build a pro-comp in the future. This program will teach me how engines can run better. Shortly after I turned 16, I began working part time at McDonald's. The hours were late and hard to juggle with high school, so I ended up working at Walmart instead, and have been there for 8 months. It allows me to work in a team environment and interact with people in our community. I have been working part time/on-call for Fenn's Towing and Repair since I was 14 years old (currently 17). I have had a variety of job duties: janitorial, shop clean up, learned maintenance on my personal vehicle there, welding, sand blasting, fabricating, and I have worked on many light and heavy duty tows and off road recoveries. I have pulled cable, site/wreck clean-up, drive pickups, haul trailers, handle equipment (air bags, tools, ladders), and am frequently the one that has to climb wrecks and help secure straps and cables. Fenn's Towing I literally grew up in. My Dad and Grandpa are 2 of the most important people in my life and I look up to them and want to learn more from them.

My family and I drove to Laramie, WY on Sept 19, 2024, touring WyoTech trade school on Sept 20, 2024. I knew I wanted to attend there, but wanted to see it in person. After touring the facility, my recruiter said that people were already registering for fall 2025. So with her help, I applied, mostly to get on the wait list for housing. Monday, Sept 23, 2024, I recieved an email that said I was accepted to the Diesel Program with a specialty in High Performance Powertrain, for September 2025. I will complete my high school credits January 2025, and then walk with my class at the June graduation, attending WyoTech that following September. The 6-month program costs $34,750 and housing expenses are $5400, also for the 6 months. I will be working part time, along with going to school, to cover fuel and day to day living costs. Since I will be done with my high school credits in January 2025, I will then go from part time employment to full time. My goal is to save for my housing and living expenses, prior to attending school in September of 2025. I am not receiving financial assistance from my family, it is up to me to cover and pay my way through school. I am a non-traditional student, have ADHD and attending a 4 year school would be a struggle for me. I want to get a further education and really want to work with my Dad and Grandpa one day. They own and work for Fenn's Towing & Repair, have a diesel repair shop, and working alongside them, maybe even running the company myself one day, is my dream. Going to a trade school, especially WyoTech, it offers a full time, 8 hours a day, 9 month program that will give me a more hands training, then sitting in a classroom all day. I applied for the diesel program, because that is what I grew up around and enjoy being a part of. It is important to me to work with my hands, and especially in Eastern Oregon, be part of the community that keeps our trucking companies in business. So after finishing WyoTech, I will look for employment as a diesel mechanic in Eastern Oregon, later working with my family. Honestly? I am interested in the power train portion of the programs, because I like fast cars and want to build a pro-comp in the future. This program will teach me how engines can run better. Shortly after I turned 16, I began working part time at McDonald's. The hours were late and hard to juggle with high school, so I ended up working at Walmart. The shifts at Walmart are more flexible with my school schedule. It allows me to work in a team environment, and interact with people in our community. I have been working part time/on-call for Fenn's Towing and Repair since I was 14 years old (currently 17). I have had a variety of job duties: janitorial, shop clean up, learned maintenance on my personal vehicle there, welding, sand blasting, fabricating, and I have worked on many light and heavy duty tows and off road recoveries. I have pulled cable, site/wreck clean-up, drive pickups, haul trailers, handle equipment (air bags, tools, ladders), and am frequently the one that has to climb wrecks and help secure straps and cables. Fenn's Towing I literally grew up in. My Dad and Grandpa are 2 of the most important people in my life and I look up to them and want to learn more from them.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious problem that leads to tragic consequences for many people. Through my family's towing business, I've seen first hand what happens when someone decides to drink and drive. Every week, we respond to accidents and recoveries caused by impaired drivers, and the scenes can be shocking. These accidents don’t just affect the people involved, they leave families and friends to deal with the aftermath, which can be heartbreaking. The moral issues around DUIs are huge. Drinking is often part of social gatherings, but many people don’t realize how dangerous it is to get behind the wheel after drinking. This careless attitude can lead to tragedies that could easily be avoided. It’s important to create a culture where people understand the consequences of their actions and know there are safer options, like designated drivers or rideshare services - or better yet, refrain from drinking or being under the influence at all. Preventing DUIs requires both technology and community effort. For example, ignition interlock devices can prevent a car from starting if the driver has been drinking. Laws could require these devices for people convicted of DUIs to help stop them from driving drunk again. Ride-sharing apps also make it easier for people to find safe rides home after drinking. The effects of DUIs hit hard, especially for families and friends. Each accident brings grief, anger, and confusion, leaving loved ones to pick up the pieces. I’ve seen families torn apart and friends struggling with guilt, wishing they could have done something to prevent the tragedy. Many of the accidents we have recovered (not just passenger vehicles, but semi trucks/buses as well), the vehicles can be un-recognizable, individual's being ejected and in extreme cases, fatalities. Because of these recoveries, often in our line of work, we support victims’ families during their toughest times. This continues long after we tow the destroyed vehicle. We have to work with them in their despair, dealing with personal belongings, how to dispose of the vehicle, does the family members want to see the vehicle and be reminded of the tragic incident? We hear their stories and see how quickly lives can change due to one bad choice. Tackling DUIs means being clear about the problem and focusing on responsibility and effective solutions. My experiences in the towing business have shown me the harsh realities of impaired driving. We need to keep educating our communities about these dangers while pushing for better laws and technology. By working together, we can create a culture that values safety and responsibility, ultimately saving lives and protecting families. Change can be tough, but with determination and teamwork, we can make a real difference and ensure a safer future for everyone. Included with my essay submission, are photos of recoveries I have attended, a few that I am actively working in, of vehicles that were recovered due to being under the influence when driving.