1. After carefully considering my options, I decided that attending WyoTech’s Diesel Program, specializing in High-Performance Powertrain systems, was the best fit for me. The program I have been accepted in, that begins September 2025, will provide me with the in-depth knowledge and experience I need to become a skilled diesel mechanic. 2. One of the biggest factors in my decision to attend WyoTech is that it will help me contribute to my family’s business, Fenn’s Towing & Repair. My goal is to work alongside my dad and grandpa, continuing the legacy they’ve built and expanding the business. However, I also recognize that to do so, I need to have the right education and experience. Attending WyoTech will give me the technical skills I need to excel in the diesel repair field and allow me to contribute meaningfully to the business. My dad and grandpa have always been supportive of my decision to pursue this path, and they’ve encouraged me to gain as much experience and education as possible so I can eventually take on more responsibility within the company. I understand that the more I learn about diesel mechanics and high-performance engines, the better equipped I’ll be to take the company to the next level. I also want to have a broad understanding of the industry so that I can bring fresh ideas and new skills to the table. I grew up around this business, spending time at the shop with my family since I was a newborn, this line of work is all that I know. I know that I’ll need to build my knowledge and gain more experience before fully joining the business. 3. My family’s business is Fenn’s Towing & Repair, is located in NE Oregon, in a rural logging, farming, trucking and ranching community. While my life has revolved around the family business, I have been employed there since age 14. I’ve gained a variety of valuable skills, from basic shop cleanup to working on heavy-duty tows and off-road recoveries. Helping to repair vehicles and learning how to use different kinds of equipment like air bags, straps, and tools has allowed me to develop hands-on skills that are essential to the field. Some portions of my job taught me compassion, there have been multiple recoveries with fatalities. I would collect their personal belongings at the site, treating them like your own family member. Working with my dad and grandpa has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I’ve come to appreciate the importance of hard work, dedication, and problem-solving when it comes to keeping vehicles in top condition. 4. I love working with my hands, and any class that was not in the traditional classroom setting I loved – those included multiple levels of CAD design, Welding, and fabrication. My final graduation pathway project, was purchasing, assembling, welding, grinding, sanding, painting and installing 2 Move Bumpers, front and rear, on a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. This was the start of my career plan of being a Diesel Technician. I’m excited about the opportunity to dive deep into the world of diesel mechanics, especially because of the specialized training in high-performance engines. I’ve always had an interest in fast cars and how engines work, so the chance to learn more about how to build and maintain performance vehicles is incredibly exciting to me. This program will allow me to turn my passion into practical skills, and I believe it will provide me with a strong foundation for a long-lasting career in diesel mechanics. One day, I will return to Fenn's Towing & Repair, being able to work alongside my Father and Grandfather, continuing the legacy my Grandfather built in 1989. 5. I struggled throughout middle and high school with ADHD and grow issues, and many teachers failed to understand how my brain functioned and how to teach me in a way that I could better understand. Douglas Gisi, our high school Welding/CAD teacher was my refuge in high school, I always had a place in his classroom and shop when I needed time, space and respect. I was honored when he wrote me a letter of recommendation, and in it he stated: "I have known Levi for four years as a student in my Welding and CAD program at La Grande high school. During that time Levi has proven to be extremely hardworking, smart, and responsible. Exactly the kind of traits I would invest in with a scholarship. In welding, Levi is self-motivated and takes pride in his work. He is a mechanically brilliant student. In CAD, he displays an acute attention to detail and has acquired great spatial/visual skills. Levi is a fast learner and is a pleasure to work with."

Growing up, I’ve always been surrounded in the world of diesel engines, thanks to my dad and grandpa, who own and operate Fenn’s Towing & Repair. For a couple years now, I’ve worked alongside them, learning the ropes of maintenance, repair, welding, sandblasting, and fabricating. These experiences have ignited a passion for mechanics and solidified my decision to pursue a career in diesel mechanics. I’ve been part of the family business since I was 14, and in that time, I’ve gained a variety of valuable skills, from basic shop cleanup to working on heavy-duty tows and off-road recoveries. Helping to repair vehicles and learning how to use different kinds of equipment like air bags, straps, and tools has allowed me to develop hands-on skills that are essential to the field. Working with my dad and grandpa has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I’ve come to appreciate the importance of hard work, dedication, and problem-solving when it comes to keeping vehicles in top condition. It was through this exposure to mechanics and the work my family does that I discovered how much I enjoy being part of something that requires both creativity and technical knowledge. This passion has only deepened as I’ve gotten older, and now, as I approach the end of my high school years, I’m more certain than ever that I want to pursue a career in this field. As I’m about to finish high school, I know that a traditional four-year college isn’t the right path for me. I’ve always felt more comfortable working with my hands, and a typical university experience I feel would be a struggle. From early grade school, through middle school and onto high school, my parents have felt I have been ADHD. Unfortunately, it has been a struggle with our school district and our medical professionals to receive a diagnosis, and have the proper support that would enable me to excel in a traditional high school. It wasn't until my sophomore year of high school that I received my ADHD diagnosis and began medication to assist in it. Counseling along with my medications, and support from a few teachers and my family, is what got me through the rest of school. One teacher in particular was my welding/CAD instructor, Douglas Gisi. He made sure his classroom was a safe refuge for me, he didn't judge me and supported me, especially on days I was struggling. School was so difficult, my grades suffered, interacting with my peers suffered, being the type of student who thrives in a classroom setting was not me. With my diagnosis, I discovered that hands-on learning is where I excelled at, and being able to attend a vocational school where I can apply what I’m learning in real-world situations, is my educational goal. The best part of this was, yes I graduated, no my GPA isn't the best, but I still made it through high school. I even took summer classes and additional online classes, and even with my struggles, I graduated 1 semester early! I just completed my senior year, January 2025, and I am accepted to attend WyoTech vocational school in September 2025, in their diesel mechanic program. Even with my struggles, average grades, I still made it.

From a young age, I have been immersed in the world of diesel mechanics and high-performance powertrains, a passion that runs deep in my family’s legacy. My grandfather founded a successful towing and repair shop, which my father later inherited, and now, I am pursuing the same trade with the aim of taking the company to new heights. The skills my dad and grandfather used to build a thriving business are a major source of inspiration for me, and I plan to carry on their legacy by using those same skills to drive the company forward. Diesel mechanics is more than just a career; it's a passion that has been passed down to me through years of hard work, dedication, and expertise. Growing up, I watched both my grandfather and father work on a variety of vehicles, from towing trucks to high-performance machines. I witnessed firsthand the precision and technical knowledge required to keep these complex systems running smoothly, and over time, I developed a deep interest in understanding how everything worked. High-performance powertrains, which I now specialize in, add a new layer of excitement to my journey. These systems are at the core of performance vehicles, and working with them offers constant challenges that push me to keep learning and improving. My future goals are not only to work as a diesel mechanic but also to take over the family business one day. My father and grandfather built something special, and I want to honor their hard work and commitment by continuing to grow and evolve the business. Running a business is no small feat, and I know it will require new ideas and innovations to ensure its continued success. However, I also want to stay true to the values that made the business what it is today. This company is part of my family’s identity, and I am fully committed to stepping into the leadership role to help it thrive. I imagine expanding the business, modernizing certain aspects, and maintaining its strong reputation in the community. The path to getting here, however, hasn’t been without challenges. One significant hurdle I faced was dealing with undiagnosed ADHD throughout most of my school life. This condition made it difficult for me to focus, stay organized, and perform at my best academically. I often felt frustrated and disconnected from my studies, unable to keep up with my peers. It wasn’t until my junior year when I was finally diagnosed and began receiving the proper medication that things started to change. The medication allowed me to manage my symptoms and significantly improved my ability to concentrate and stay on track. While it didn’t provide an instant fix, it allowed me to catch up academically and finish school strong. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and finding the right solutions when faced with obstacles. I realized that, much like in mechanics, things don’t always work perfectly the first time, and it takes persistence and troubleshooting to get everything running smoothly. Overcoming this challenge also taught me the importance of seeking help when needed and the power of resilience in pushing through tough situations. These lessons will continue to serve me well as I pursue my education in diesel mechanics and work toward taking on the responsibility of running the family business. The skills and insights I’ve gained from overcoming adversity will guide me as I face the inevitable challenges of the future.

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.