“Hey, what are you doing!” Don’t touch the wet paint!” This is just one of the countless valuable lessons my father has instilled in me as we worked together in the shop. I was only about five or so when my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to leave my mark on the hood of a car my dad had just finished painting a deep shade of green. I did not know the wrong I had just done until I saw my little fingerprints engraved in the glossy clear-coat layer. The thoughts of how much trouble I was in flooded my mind and my heart started to race. But to my surprise, he chuckled and began patiently showing me how to correct my mistake. The next thirteen years would consist of many of these lessons. It is these lessons that I've learned from my father that have nurtured my curiosity, shaped my productivity, and developed my strong work ethic.

Ever since I was a young boy living in Kelso, Washington, my innate curiosity gave rise to my fascination with the bigger picture of how different systems work and the intricate construction thereof. I can remember a few occasions where my curiosity got the best of me and I ended up taking apart one of my dad’s power tools only to forget how to put it all back together. Many times this curiosity is paired with my creativity and helps me in a school project and at other times, it can get me pondering and asking a little too many questions to my math teacher about the nature of the six trigonometric functions.

My love for working with my hands has not only allowed me to reach new heights in the garage but also to work productively in the classroom. I learned how to persevere through difficult school work just as I would a tough automotive project. I also gained an appreciation for writing because of my experiences taking jumbled messes in the garage and giving them a structure just as I would take my mess of thoughts and transfer them to a paper I am writing. I believe my productivity will only continue to grow as I continue my academic endeavors.

I have learned so many valuable lessons throughout my automotive and academic career. I learned that the little fingerprints you once left on your dad’s project can turn into a valuable lesson. I also learned that mistakes don't define a person, It is your ability to deal with the mistakes that shape who you are. My ability to use my curiosity, productivity, and hard work to further myself in life will help me get to where I ultimately desire to be.

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