Universal Technical Institute (Long Beach, California)
College of Western Idaho (Nampa, Idaho)
College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls, Idaho)

At Caldwell High School, I have taken Automotive Technology I and Automotive Technology II, and I am currently taking Automotive Technology III. Over the past two and a half years, I have had the opportunity to take apart and rebuild an engine, install an exhaust system, perform oil changes, and change brake pads. What I’ve learned is that I really enjoy working with cars and it comes naturally to me. After I graduate high school, I plan to go to Universal Technical Institute Automotive School to do the Automotive Technology Program and get an ASE Certification.

My educational goals are to get certified as an automotive technician by attending Universal Technical Institute (UTI). With this education I want to follow my passion to work on a variety of automotive vehicles. I want to keep learning to improve myself and my skills.
Ever since I was young my Dad always worked on cars no matter whose it was. I always helped my Dad whether it was looking for a universal socket or holding the flashlight for him. Since I was young I couldn't really help but It was one of the most important memories to me. He was constantly working day and night to provide for my siblings and I. This really sparked my passion for cars.

I have participated in clubs like TRIO Upward Bound, Future Hispanic Leaders of America (FHLA), Rising Voices, and Mayors Youth Advisory Council (MYAC). My involvement in these clubs has had a positive impact on the club and in my personal life. Volunteering has made me a better person than I once was.

The most impactful experience I have had as a participant of TRIO would be attending Summer Program of 2025. This was when I decided to make a change in my life. Being able to sleep at the dorms at Boise State gave me a taste of what is possible for me. Being able to experience living alone, getting to meet new people is what I look forward to after I graduate. Summer program was filled with so many wonderful experiences I cannot forget. Having the opportunity to tutor a Spanish-speaking student was a great experience as well because I love to see how they become so proud of themselves when they get a 98% on a test or even 100% because they were able to understand the class. That experience puts a smile on my face.

Other than financial, my biggest obstacle would be balancing work with school and other clubs. It's been challenging trying to balance my academics with work while also being part of a club, but I've been able to manage my time correctly, so I wouldn't be so stressed all the time. I would talk to my advisors for help when I'm struggling to manage my time, or when I'm looking for advice if I'm facing some personal issues. Universal Technical Institute is very far from home. I'm not going to have the chance to go home everyday. Over these past couple of years my mothers health hasn't been great. She was diagnosed with cancer and other medical issues in 2022. Since then she’s received medical attention and gotten better. After receiving medical attention there are days where her glucose levels are severely low. In emergencies instead of being 10 minutes aways im going to be 14 hours away. I won't be able to be with her during difficult times when I'm needed the most.

If I become the recipient of The Opportunity Fund it means there is still hope for me. My goal may seem very far for me to reach. Every step I take towards my future in pursuing my education and wanting to continue it slowly starts becoming a reality for me. Becoming a recipient will mean my dream will become my reality.

I’ve participated in many events during my high school years. It's difficult to choose which one was the most rewarding volunteer experience. The most rewarding for me would have to be volunteering at Heritage Community Charter School (HCCS). Volunteering at HCCS showed me that future generations often lack a support system at home. Many of the students have to translate legal documents for their parents/guardians because their parents/guardians don't speak English. I help these students by teaching them how to solve problems in math, science, and English. I try to help them in any way I can. I understand how it feels when you ask your parents/guardian for help, but they also don't understand the homework.

By giving assistance in any way or just showing care for them, it means a lot. The students start to get inspired and help each other.Providing my time they start to grow a personal connection. By my guidance they will do great things.

I plan to fund my post-secondary education with scholarships and work. I'm currently employed and get roughly 20-25 hours a week. My earnings will go towards my education. After graduation I'm going to apply at jobs that are in my field of education. With this I'm going to be getting a head start with school by knowing a little more about what Automotive technicians do. I'm planning on applying for scholarships that go towards automotive programs. I've received a grant from Universal Technical Institute. I had the opportunity to choose between 2,500 dollars cash or 10% off overall tuition. The 10% off my overall tuition would cover 4,800 dollars, that's almost 5,000 thousand dollars. With this step by step being an automotive technician is becoming a reality and a dream not far from reach.