My passion for the automotive industry started when I was 16, working on small engines and anything I could get my hands on. What began as curiosity quickly turned into something more. I started bringing home free curbside lawn mowers, modifying my bike with an engine—and then a bigger engine—and spending hours figuring out how things worked and how to fix them when they didn’t. In thinking about MacGyver, which was one of my mom's favorite shows, she gave me opportunities to show that these skills pay off. We had a projector with a burnt out bulb which she tried to take care of herself. Having a technician come out would've cost at least $150 service charge. I was able to fix it, and she gave me the $150. I'm still the "fixer" in the house. When something breaks or doesn't work right, I get a shot at it before the pro's get called in. That gives me a great value in my sense of self. And I love it when I get it right! I realized early on that I enjoyed the challenge of diagnosing problems and the satisfaction of getting something running again. I didn’t always feel motivated in school, and struggled a bit until I found something that actually interested me. My high school offered welding and auto classes, and for the first time, I wanted to be there. I was drawn to the hands-on problem solving and the process of figuring things out. That interest kept growing the more time I spent working on engines. My parents saw that shift and supported it. They gave me space in the garage and helped me get started with tools. I was able to graduate early in January and started working in the service department at a Subaru dealership. My hours are 6:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., which some people questioned, but for me it’s been easy because I actually like going to work. Every day, I try to learn something new and improve my skills. This experience has made it clear that this is the path I want to continue. Of course, most of my paycheck goes right back into a project. I bought a 2002 Chevy Silverado farm truck that needs a lot of work. So far, I've fixing the door lock, changed the oil, replaced the filters and tires, and swapping out a fuel injector. Along the way, I picked up habits like staying organized and paying attention to detail, but more importantly, I realized this was something I genuinely enjoyed. My goal is to become a full-time diesel technician and earn my ASE certifications. I plan to continue working while attending Madison College in the Medium/Heavy Diesel program this fall. I’m especially interested in diesel systems and advanced diagnostics, where there’s always something new to learn. The automotive industry fits me because the work is hands-on, and your effort shows in what you do. This field has given me direction and confidence. I want to continue building a career where I can keep improving my skills, solve real problems, and do work I’m proud of.

As I move into "adulting", phrases like "work-ethic" have more power. I previously thought it was showing up and doing the work even when you didn't want to. But there is more to it than that. It also involves care and passion about what you are doing. Over the past couple of years, I have found my calling in the automotive industry. I did not have passion about high school and definitely struggled with motivation and reliability. I first got interested in mechanics when I started working on small engines at 16. Our high school offered welding and auto classes, and for once I actually wanted to go to school. To help pursue my interests, my parents “let” me buy an old welding machine though I found engines to be more interesting due to the problem solving and trial and error aspect. This led to bringing home free curb-side lawn mowers, modifying my bicycle with an engine, and then starting employment in the fields. My parents began to see this ethic and encouraged it. They gave me space in the garage and helped me buy some tools. I bought an old farm truck 2002 Chevy Silverado and on my own have fixed the door lock, changed the oil, replaced the tires, and swapped out the fuel injector. But I also find myself cleaning and detailing the interior, organizing my tools, and taking pride in my work. My definitely of ethic also includes things like this. I was able to graduate early, in January, and now truly understand the word. I am now working at the service department at a Subaru dealership with the hours of 6:45am-12:30! My parents were concerned about the hours, but for me, it was easy as I absolutely love it! Every day, I try to do my best, learn something new, and connect with others. Work ethic allows you to excel at your job, earn a paycheck, earn respect, and earn pride. Discovering automotive mechanics gave me structure, purpose, and confidence. Automotive work has allowed me to "find" work ethic. In the Fall, I will be starting at Madison Area Technical College in the auto-med/heavy diesel program. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.