Meet Devon. He’s pursuing his passion for automotive refinishing and using his skills to help his community. Devon is always volunteering his time to help others who need automotive repairs, especially following the recent flooding in Houston. Devon hopes to one day open his own automotive shop and continue helping those in need.
Q: Why do you want to be a technician?
A: I want to enter the automotive workforce because it is the only career in which I can get paid to do something I love. The opportunity to have a fulfilling job is one I simply can’t pass up.
Q: How do you give back to the community with your automotive skills?
A: I try to use my knowledge and automotive skills to help my community by doing little things such as helping those who can’t or don’t know how to jump their car, change their tires, and move stuck vehicles. I believe the best way for me to apply the skills that I’ve learned is to help those in need. After all the recent flooding in my area, the demand for those who need help has never been greater.
Q: What is your favorite repair to work on and why?
A: The best refinishing repair hands down is laying down clear coat. In my opinion, this is the culmination of all your previous work. The gloss and gleam of applying clear coat is incredibly satisfying. When done correctly, it shines like a new trophy that’s telling you that you just overcame all the imperfections you tried to previously hide.
Q: What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on?
A: My pride and joy is most definitely the custom gas tank! Defined by its graffiti drawings over the entire tank, I have to say it was not only the most fun I’ve had working on a project, but also one of the best cooperative experiences I’ve had.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: My dream job is to one day be a shop owner. I would like to serve my community and provide jobs for local people. By owning my own shop, I would be able to do all the work I need on my own vehicles as well as provide services to those around me.
“Devon’s hard-working, thoughtful, charismatic, and open-minded attitude – along with his clear commitment to refinishing – makes him the perfect candidate for this award. I have no doubt that Devon will make an outstanding custom refinisher. He is a talented young technician who gives insightful creative ideas to group and class discussions and major projects.” – Jeff Wilson, Collision and Refinishing Instructor, Kingwood Park High School
To nominate a student for the Continental Student of the Month program, visit TomorrowsTechnician.com/student-of-the-month/.
