Daniel is trying his hand at the fast-paced automotive-repair industry to explore his passion for cars with hopes to gain a high-paying, hands-on career.
“I was working full time at Home Depot, and my dad encouraged me to try college again,” Daniel said. “I figured, I liked cars so I might as well give it a try, and the program is free. This time, I am doing everything I love.”
While Luis, a Marine veteran, is already accomplished as a combat trucker having worked with diesel trucks and forklifts, he is adamant about being a lifelong learner and is grateful for the opportunity to go back to school with his son.
“I always had the yearning to work on automotive,” Luis said, “and the chance presented itself at College of Continuing Education at no-cost.”
With techniques they learned in the Automotive Technician labs at the Educational Cultural Complex, the pair run an auto repair shop out of their garage. While they are working on their own vehicles at home, the duo hopes their independent business will bring in revenue down the road.
The Automotive Technician Certificate Program at College of Continuing Education teaches students within nine months how to diagnose and repair problems with engines, brakes, suspension, steering, electronics, fuel systems, and more to meet industry safety practices and procedures.
“Coming onto campus, it’s like you’re walking into the best Mercedes, Audi, Ford, and Chevrolet dealerships,” Luis said, of the automotive garage housed at the Educational Cultural Complex. He added: “You can work on transmission, oil, balancing tires, alignment, and all the equipment is state of the art.”
He continued: “Once you have the right mindset and you have someone to work with, it becomes repetition and you can rebuild a vehicle or what you choose to do. The instructors are there with you and are guiding you every step of the way; that’s what I like about this college.”
The absence of tuition at College of Continuing Education allows the Valdivia family to build an investment in their future while not worrying about student debt amidst other life expenses.
Upon completion of the Automotive Technician certificate, Daniel will continue taking auto body and paint courses at the College of Continuing Education so that he can begin creating custom built cars from the interior aesthetics to the exterior design, a dream he had since he was young. Luis will use his certificate toward an automotive technology degree from San Diego Miramar College, and he will complete his studies in nursing at San Diego City College to advance from a licensed vocational nurse to a registered nurse.
“Get into something that you’re going to love; love the work that you do. If you want to be a janitor, be the best janitor; if you want to be a mechanic, be the best mechanic,” Luis advised. “If you can pass the torch to someone else, like I did with my son, then you’re making that day brighter for that person. The College of Continuing Education has all the opportunities — and for free — with schedules open day and night. If you want to change careers or be better at something, you can do it.”