Then and Now

In 8th grade, I shadowed my dad at his job as a diesel mechanic and got to tear apart an engine with him. I decided right then that's what I'm going to do. I wanted to get a foot in the door of my career fast, so when I was 17 I started taking SLCC diesel tech classes. I gave up a lot of high school experiences, like dances, to keep up with all my classes.

Going into this field was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever done. I went in with no prior mechanical knowledge or background. I don't have the same strength as some of the guys, so I have to think outside the box in finding other solutions. I've been working full-time for Wheeler Cat since my senior year in high school. I've become a lot more confident and have proved to myself that I am capable of a lot more than I think.

Right now, I'm a shop technician. I'm just learning everything I can possibly learn and investing in my toolbox by gradually adding new tools to it all the time.

"Going into this field was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever done."

Advice

If you're a woman and you want a hands-on job, look into the trades. If you have determination and drive, companies will hire you in a heartbeat. Don't be intimidated because it's mostly guys. You'll be surprised how many supportive people there are if they see that you are putting in effort and are willing to get your hands dirty. Give it a try.