Ever since I was little, I have been around cars and hot rods. My grandpa lived close to where I grew up, so during the summer, my dad, grandpa, and I would often go to car shows just for something to do. Although I wasn't working on cars back then, it quickly became something that interested me. My dad and I also watched Gearz and Trucks! with Stacey David, which made me like cars even more. When I started high school, I was not sure what I wanted to do afterward. I discovered an after-school automotive club that met twice a week and decided to attend as often as possible. When I signed up for classes, I didn't realize there were actual automotive classes, so the club was the next best option. After the first day, I knew this was something I could do for the rest of my life. We were already working on smaller projects that first day, and that got me hooked right away. Being around cars when I was younger and joining the Auto Club got me started, but that is not the main reason I want a career in automotive repair. After learning as much as I could during my sophomore year, I decided to take on a project of my own during my junior year. I bought a truck with money I had saved from working and towed it home because it did not run. I replaced the fuel pump, got it running, and drove it to the school shop to continue the work. It ended up needing more repairs than I expected, but I am glad it did. I rebuilt most of the suspension, upgraded the rear axle with a locking differential, wired a custom stereo, and went through the rest of the truck to make sure everything was right. That project taught me patience, problem-solving, and how rewarding it feels to bring something back to life. Fixing cars is fun, but helping others with their cars is even more enjoyable. During my senior year, I took upper-level automotive classes where seniors could take on bigger projects. Some of those projects included manual swapping a 1998 Pontiac Firebird, getting a 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix running again after sitting for years, V6 swapping a 1991 Toyota MR2 with a custom wiring harness, and swapping multiple engines and transmissions in a 1968 Buick Special. Working with my classmates on these projects showed me how much I enjoy both the technical side of the job and the teamwork that comes with it. I believe a good automotive repair technician needs three main qualities: attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic. Attention to detail is crucial because modern vehicles are complex, and even a small mistake can cause big problems. Problem-solving skills matter because things rarely go as planned when working on cars. Being able to think through issues and adapt is what makes a good technician. Finally, work ethic ties it all together. The automotive field is demanding and competitive, and if a technician does not show up ready to work hard and stay consistent, they will not last long. Automotive repair combines everything I enjoy: working with my hands, solving problems, and helping others. It is not just about fixing cars; it is about doing something that matters and taking pride in doing it right. I am excited to keep learning, improving, and building a career doing something I truly care about.