Then and Now

My senior year in high school I needed one more elective, so I took an automotive class. I did it because I'm super independent and wanted to know how to do the basics on my own. I realized that I really liked working on cars and wanted to be a mechanic. My dad worried that I'd be hassled or not accepted in the industry, but most of my friends are guys.

I figured if this is what I'm going to be doing, I'd better find out how I like it. So I got a job that summer working on cars doing mostly fluids, tires, maintenance stuff. This gave me confidence going into SLCC's automotive program. I'd take morning and evening classes and work in between them—it was pretty much 24/7 cars. I'm a hands-on learner. I like to see it, do it and then figure out if I did it right.

I was usually one of the only girls in my classes but everyone treated me as an equal, which I loved. I really learned a lot and enjoyed it. It's funny because I always wanted a job where I could help people and was thinking healthcare. Now, I get to help people all the time with their cars and even on the roads when I see someone needs some help.

Right now, I'm a heavy-line technician at Mark Miller Subaru where I get to rebuild engines and transmissions. I always wanted a job where I'd wake up each morning and want to get up for it. I love what I do and I'm proud of myself for just going for it.

"I always wanted a job where I'd wake up each morning and want to get up for it."

Advice

Don't be afraid to get dirty and don't be afraid of working with guys. At first at SLCC I was super shy and timid, but I learned that there is no stupid question. The only way you learn is to just do it, try it and if you mess up, you can fix it. When you get to the point where it is fixed, the gratification is amazing.