The career I have decided to pursue is diesel mechanic. I have enjoyed working on cars with my dad since I was very little. I also have been learning a lot about working on dirt bikes since I started doing motocross a few years ago. Last year, I decided that I want to continue to learn mechanical skills and figured that pursuing a career as a diesel mechanic would allow me to learn another new skill. I also thought that being a diesel mechanic would allow me to work on a variety of cool vehicles.

 I have not yet taken any classes to become a diesel mechanic, however I have a really solid base to build on. While working on cars with my dad, he taught me a lot about gas engines. He has also taught me many other useful skills like welding and metalworking. Fixing my dirt bikes for motocross has taught me about clutches. I believe that all of these skills will transfer in some way to diesel engines.

Over the years I have worked odd jobs with my dad as well as worked a regular job as a farm hand on a horse farm. Working jobs for my dad has taught me how to run heavy equipment so that now I have a good understanding of how diesels should run. Working on the farm has taught me a lot about responsibility and how to be a reliable employee. Racing motocross has taught me many skills as well. I have learned how to not give up when something is hard or tiring. I have also learned how to step out of my comfort zone because in motocross you are always pushing yourself to do better. 

I plan to achieve my career goal by completing the diesel mechanic program in high school. After graduating, I plan to join the Operating Engineers Local 77 union. This will give me access to an apprentice program that leads to many opportunities for career growth. I will also be able to further my education through the union with their training hall to get things like a commercial driver’s license. 

Being a diesel mechanic will have a positive impact on my community. I will be able to help others every day by making sure that their trucks and equipment are functioning correctly so that they can do their jobs. Keeping these things going helps to literally build our society from the ground up.