I am pursuing an education in Diesel and Agricultural Technologies, driven by a passion for the intricate workings of machinery that power our world. My main goal is to expand my technological and mechanical knowledge of diesel motors and farm equipment. Through my studies, I aim to delve deep into the mechanics and technology behind diesel engines and agricultural machines, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their functionality and advancements. One of my aspirations is to have a personal project vehicle that I can work on, allowing me to apply my newfound skills and knowledge in a practical setting. I am eager to learn as much as I can about both gasoline and diesel engines and systems, equipping myself with the versatility to work on a wide range of vehicles and machinery. Currently, I have been working on a 1994 Ford Ranger for the past two years, and I am incredibly excited about the prospect of using the knowledge and skills I will acquire through my education to upgrade and transform it into an impressive project truck. In terms of my career goals, I hope to secure a position at a dealership specializing in agricultural equipment or at a shop that focuses on semi-trucks and heavy machinery. I am particularly interested in working on front-end loaders, tele-handlers, and excavators, as these machines play a crucial role in the construction and agricultural industries. I have gained some hands-on experience working with various machines, and my curiosity about their operation, development, and the integration of new technologies continues to grow. I am eager to stay abreast of the latest advancements and innovations that are shaping the industry. Being a part of the industry that ensures the smooth functioning of our transportation and farming sectors is a significant motivation for me. I want to contribute to the maintenance and repair of engines and machinery, ensuring that hardworking individuals in various fields can perform their tasks efficiently and effectively. Knowing that I am contributing to the larger system that keeps people fed, happy, and well-supplied is deeply fulfilling. I take pride in providing support to those who deliver essential products and services to the community. After graduating, my plan is to travel or relocate to different areas to gain diverse experiences and further hone my skills. I am open to opportunities wherever they may arise, as I believe that every experience will contribute to my growth and expertise in the field. I am enthusiastic about embarking on this journey and am committed to making a positive impact in the industry.

It took me a while to figure out exactly what I wanted to pursue for a career. I tried a 4 year college, for all the wrong reasons and ended up back where I was when I graduated high school. I have always had a slight interest in the trades world, and that line of work. Though when I was younger, I was more interested in more medical and scientific fields of work. Though as I got older and got the opportunity to work with my hands and either build or fix things, I realized that I enjoyed that much more than book learning. I understand there is always some level of book learning with any subject, but I want to become a diesel and agricultural mechanic. This field will allow me to work and learn with my hands and hone my skills by doing things that make me feel good and productive. Two years ago, I got an old 94' Mazda B4000. I've had to slowly but surely fix it up bit by bit over these last two years, and I've realized that working on mechanics wasn't just something I was interested in but really loved doing. Diagnosing and fixing things is a sort of game to me, and I learn something new about whatever I am working on any time I play this little game. Working on my truck has given me a lot of knowledge and skill on fixing cars, and I have spent a lot of time helping friends and family diagnose and fix issues with their vehicles. I love working anything I can get my hands on and jump at the opportunity to poke around under any vehicle's or piece machinery's hood. My plan for my life after getting out of school is to help keep America's agricultural and shipping industry alive and running like a well-oiled machine. I want to be a part of the trade that keeps machines running so hard-working men and women can get the job done well and efficiently, so they and myself can provide for our families. I hope I can either work for a dealer keeping farm equipment running well so we can feed people, or work for a semi-truck mechanic shop to help keep the shipping industry working well so we can make sure our food and other products can get to where they need to go on time. Eventually I hope to be able to open my own business so I can help my community wherever I decide to settle down, and to help people keep their machines running well and for a long time.

I will be attending classes to get certified to work on diesel and agricultural equipment, and I decided to choose this over regular automotive classes after having some experience at my current job. I have been fortunate enough to be able to use some heavy machinery at work and worked on them a small amount. I've had a love for cars and trucks since I was young, and after working my current job for 2 years I realized that I would love for the opportunity to work on big rigs, farm equipment, heavy machinery, and everything in between as I can go anywhere with that skill set and be able to make a decent living doing something I enjoy. I do not have a job lined up for when I graduate, but I hope that I can get an apprenticeship working at a shop to eventually lead to me working on either heavy machinery for construction companies or working at a dealer for farm equipment. I decided to chase this dream because I want to be a part of the industry that keeps America running, getting food to people's tables, and helping keep the tools running so we can build a better future for my (future) children and their children. I know I can be successful in this field because this is something I love doing as a hobby and knowing I can do something I enjoy and support myself by doing it seems like an amazing opportunity. I have spent the last few years working on an old 90s Ranger and even though its just a personal project, the satisfaction and pride I feel when I fix something I have yet to encounter before is like nothing I’ve felt from anything else. I see this whole trade as an opportunity to learn more about the world, the way it operates, and the amazing technology we have created to make the world better. I believe true success comes from being able to support yourself and your family and enjoy your life at the same time. This path is the only thing I've found in my life that makes me feel like I can truly attain that balance. I tried to go to a 4-year college and found out the hard way I was there for all the wrong reasons, following a girl I loved, trying to become a person I would think they wanted me to be. And I realized that was only causing me problems and keeping me from finding what I truly wanted to do with my life.

My grand father Doug served as an MP in the Vietnam War. He has been an incredibly important person in my upbringing. He babysat me, gave me work to do as a teenager, and has helped me throughout my life to overcome many different issues, as well as taught me how to better manage myself, and my relationships. He has been an incredible support pillar in my life, as well as the lives of all my uncles, aunts and cousins and siblings. It was only recently I started to take more of an interest into his upbringing, and It has fascinated me. Looking at how different life was for him when he was my age is just crazy, and the fact he had soon to be classic cars driving around all the time is just awesome to think about. But after learning more about his upbringing, and how he had to work incredibly hard to get to where he is, especially after going to war, it has inspired me to get my life in order, and work towards living the life that I want for myself. When he came back from Vietnam, he became a therapist, and without realizing it he has been teaching me methods to help myself throughout my life. How to be more introspective, more receptive to others criticism, get over heart break, and how to deal with day-to-day frustrations in a much more productive manner. Almost every time I talk to him, I end up learning something that will help me and my relationships with other people, myself, and help me with my future. He has been someone I have always looked up to as an example of excellence in both character and work ethic. The stories of his youth and the hardships he has endured with school, family troubles, the war, and with health issues now in his old age, he has been and always has been a shining example of a provider and pillar of a family, and a great example of what it is to be a man. He has played a much larger role in my life than other grandparents, and even the grandparents of my friend’s families. He has helped mold me into the person I am today, and will continue to do so, even long after his passing (hopefully not for a long while) and I will continually look up to him as a guide for the kind of compassionate, caring and hard working man that he is.