Choosing the path of diesel mechanics allows me to make a significant impact on my community. This program, one of the best available, aligns perfectly with my lifelong interest in understanding how things work, sparked by my involvement in FLL robotics during middle school. The skills I am acquiring will enable me to support local businesses by ensuring their operations run smoothly. Every person I encounter will rely on me to provide honest and ethical service, trusting me with their primary source of income. This career not only fulfills my professional aspirations but also excites me with the opportunity to help others and always be on a path of learning more. By completing the degree program, I will earn my AAS, further solidifying my commitment to community service and support. Many professionals have visited my school to give presentations, and my class has had the opportunity to tour various organizations. Among these, Papé has stood out to me as a potential employer. They offer the best benefits I have seen so far, and I have enjoyed their facility the most out of all the ones we have visited. Additionally, Papé supports continuous learning by covering the costs of further education, allowing me to enhance my knowledge through work. Working in this field keeps semi-trucks running smoothly, which is crucial since semi-trucks move roughly 72.6% of the nation's freight by weight. Ensuring these vehicles are well-maintained helps keep the supply chain efficient and supports the economy. I am also eager to continue learning and expand my expertise to include the maintenance of hybrid and electric semi-trucks, which are becoming increasingly important in the push for sustainable transportation. Papé is a strong contender not only for semi-truck repairs but also as a partner with John Deere. This partnership opens up opportunities for me to work in the heavy machinery field, should I choose to pursue that path. Their comprehensive support for both semi-trucks and heavy machinery makes them an ideal employer for someone with my interests and aspirations. Additionally, Papé will pay for further education of their employees in any mechanical field of their choosing, as long as it benefits the company in the long run. As a broke student, I also appreciate that they will provide a set of tools and a toolbox for me straight out of college. Eventually, I would like to establish an outreach program for youth to get them interested in diesel mechanics or general mechanics, helping to raise up the next generation of skilled professionals.

Reflecting on my journey, mental health has had a significant impact on my life, particularly during my sophomore year when I experienced a wrestling accident that resulted in a dislocated elbow. The injury required four ER visits and emergency surgery, causing me to miss over 30 days of school. This period was incredibly challenging as I struggled to keep up with my studies, relying on accommodations from my teachers for extra time. The hardest part was teaching myself, which wasn't an ideal learning environment for me. My grades suffered, and I became very depressed. The depression I experienced during this time was profound. Being unable to participate in the activities I loved and feeling isolated from my peers took a toll on my mental health. I found it difficult to stay motivated and engaged with my studies, and the physical pain from my injury only added to the emotional strain. Additionally, I was unable to attend driving lessons, play the piano, or engage in cross-stitching, all activities that I enjoyed and found relaxing. This further contributed to my sense of isolation and frustration. The pain of my recovery almost hurt worse than the injury itself. Each week, the therapists would stretch my arm just a little bit more to see if they could get it further along in the process of recovery. This was an incredibly painful and slow process, but it was necessary to regain full range of motion. Therapies lasted over six months before I regained full range of motion, which is a more positive outcome than many experience. Once I completed my therapies, I was cleared to resume all the activities I love. Through this ordeal, I discovered a strength and determination within myself that I didn't know I had. It took both mental and physical resilience to overcome such a significant challenge, and now I know that with focus and the support of my family and friends, I can accomplish almost anything. This experience has taught me the importance of mental health and the need to seek support when facing challenges. It has also fueled my passion for helping others and making a positive impact on my community. By pursuing a career in diesel mechanics, I aim to provide honest and ethical service, support local businesses, and contribute to the well-being of those around me. My journey has shown me that with determination and the right support, we can overcome even the most difficult obstacles and achieve our dreams.

From a young age, I've always been fascinated by how things work. This curiosity led me to participate in FLL robotics during middle school, where I learned the basics of mechanics, engineering, and programming. As I grew older, this interest evolved into a passion for diesel mechanics, a field that allows me to make a tangible impact on my community. Choosing the path of diesel mechanics has been a deliberate decision to align my career with my values. The program I'm enrolled in is one of the best available, providing me with the skills needed to support local businesses by ensuring their operations run smoothly. Every person I encounter relies on me to provide honest and ethical service, trusting me with their primary source of income. This responsibility excites me, as it not only fulfills my professional aspirations but also offers continuous learning opportunities. Balancing a part-time job, attending school, and actively participating in my assembly as a part of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls has been challenging but rewarding. My part-time job provides practical experience and financial support for my education, while my studies equip me with the technical skills needed to maintain essential community infrastructure. Through my Rainbow assembly, I collaborate with peers to develop leadership skills and mentor younger members, particularly encouraging young females to pursue technical careers. This involvement helps me grow personally and professionally, contributing to a more resilient and inclusive community by fostering the next generation of leaders and skilled professionals. Managing my part-time job is crucial for covering expenses that scholarships do not cover, ensuring I can complete my education without accumulating any debt. This financial responsibility is essential for me to graduate with an associate degree and enter the workforce debt-free, ready to make a positive impact on my community. Looking ahead, I have several aspirations that drive me: I plan to pursue advanced certifications in diesel mechanics and related fields. These certifications will enhance my expertise and open up more specialized career opportunities. I want to establish programs that encourage young people, especially females, to explore careers in technical fields. By partnering with local schools and organizations, I hope to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals. I am passionate about integrating sustainable practices into diesel mechanics. This includes promoting the use of eco-friendly technologies and methods to reduce the environmental impact of diesel engines. I am committed to lifelong learning. I plan to stay updated with the latest advancements in diesel technology and mechanics, ensuring that I can provide the best service possible and adapt to industry changes. Eventually, I aspire to start my own diesel repair shop with my sister, who is a skilled welder. This venture will allow us to combine our expertise and implement our values of honesty, ethical service, and community support on a larger scale. My dreams are rooted in the desire to make a difference. I am passionate about fulfilling them because they represent not only my personal growth but also the opportunity to help others and contribute to the well-being of my community. The strength and determination I discovered during my recovery from a wrestling injury have shown me that I can overcome significant challenges. With focus and the support of my family and friends, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact.

During my sophomore year, I faced a significant setback when a wrestling accident resulted in a dislocated elbow. The injury required four ER visits and emergency surgery, causing me to miss over 30 days of school. This period was incredibly challenging as I struggled to keep up with my studies, relying on accommodations from my teachers for extra time. The hardest part was teaching myself, which wasn't an ideal learning environment for me. My grades suffered, and I experienced depression. Therapies lasted over six months before I regained full range of motion, which is a more positive outcome than many experience. Once I completed my therapies, I was cleared to resume all the activities I love. Through this ordeal, I discovered a strength and determination within myself that I didn't know I had. It took both mental and physical resilience to overcome such a significant challenge, and now I know that with focus and the support of my family and friends, I can accomplish almost anything. Choosing the path of diesel mechanics has allowed me to make a significant impact on my community. This program, one of the best available, aligns perfectly with my lifelong interest in understanding how things work, sparked by my involvement in FLL robotics during middle school. The skills I am acquiring will enable me to support local businesses by ensuring their operations run smoothly. Every person I encounter will rely on me to provide honest and ethical service, trusting me with their primary source of income. This career not only fulfills my professional aspirations but also excites me with the opportunity to help others and continuously learn. By completing the degree program, I will earn my AAS, further solidifying my commitment to community service and support. Both overcoming my injury and choosing diesel mechanics have fueled my determination to make a difference. The resilience I developed during my recovery has given me the confidence to tackle challenges in my field of study. The skills and knowledge I am gaining in diesel mechanics will enable me to support my community by ensuring the smooth operation of local businesses. My future goals include continuing to learn and grow in my profession, providing reliable and ethical service, and making a positive impact on those around me. These experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and community support, all of which are essential in my field of study and future career.

1) I am currently enrolled in a course for Diesel Mechanics and Heavy Machinery 2). Choosing the path of diesel mechanics allows me to make a significant impact on my community. This program, one of the best available, aligns perfectly with my lifelong interest in understanding how things work, sparked by my involvement in FLL robotics during middle school. The skills I am acquiring will enable me to support local businesses by ensuring their operations run smoothly. Every person I encounter will rely on me to provide honest and ethical service, trusting me with their primary source of income. This career not only fulfills my professional aspirations but also excites me with the opportunity to help others and always be on a path of learning more. By completing the degree program, I will earn my AAS, further solidifying my commitment to community service and support. 3) During my time at school, I faced the challenge of removing the gear train cover from a Cummins M11 engine. My group and I had to lift half of the engine because it was bolted to a frame. Later, we discovered that the valve timing is determined by the gear train cover, which we had already removed. Despite this, we managed to resolve the issue without having to lift the engine back up. While tearing down the engine, we encountered setbacks in other areas, such as setting the lash on the rocker arms. We faced a problem where there was no lash on valve one when there should have been. We cycled through the entire sequence before realizing that the previous group must have set the lash incorrectly. We even called our professor over to double-check, and he confirmed our findings. 4) Many professionals have visited my school to give presentations, and my class has had the opportunity to tour various organizations. Among these, Papé has stood out to me as a potential employer. They offer the best benefits I have seen so far, and I have enjoyed their facility the most out of all the ones we have visited. Additionally, Papé supports continuous learning by covering the costs of further education, allowing me to enhance my knowledge through work. 5) I have included recommendations from a few adults who have closely observed my progress. One is my teacher, another is my youth advisor, and the third is a manager from my workplace. They have all spoken highly of me and have witnessed my growth throughout my time at Lake Washington Institute of Technology.