Student receives Daimler Trucks North America ‘Finish First’ scholarship
Meet Twyla. Thanks to TechForce Foundation’s “Daimler Trucks North America ‘Finish First’ MSAT” Scholarship, Twyla completed her advanced technician training earlier this summer and is now pursuing her dream of a career as a professional transportation technician.
TechForce Foundation heard from Twyla before her graduation, as she reflected on her career choice and the doors her scholarship opened for her.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been fascinated with the concept of how things work, how they interact with each other, and being able to take things apart and put them back together. I used to watch my stepdad repair vehicles in his garage as a child.” Twyla said, explaining how she first discovered her interest in transportation technician careers. “As I got older, I became more and more interested in learning how components work and worked with each other. Now that I am pursuing my dreams of being a technician, I want to pass down the knowledge to my daughter.”
“…being a technician… is like doing a puzzle. You figure out what the problem is, and then you fix it. I love it!”
Like many aspiring technicians Twyla began her education on her own in her garage at home in New Mexico. When Twyla was admitted to a professional technician training program in Phoenix, Ariz. Twyla was faced with a new set of challenges, not the least of which was the time away from family.
“Moving away from home has, by far, been the hardest obstacle I have ever had to overcome,” said Twyla. “I put my life on hold to get an education so I can provide a good future for my daughter. Being away from her is a hard obstacle, but knowing how much she looks up to me is what motivates me to keep going.”
Despite facing these challenges, once on campus Twyla chose to donate her time, insight and technical expertise to support her classmates, “I am a Peer Mentor to other students here on campus. I listen and give advice whenever students come to me with questions or for help.”
Twyla completed her manufacturer’s advanced training earlier this summer. “I really enjoy working on diesels/trucks. To me, being a technician… diagnosing and repairing a fault is like doing a puzzle. You figure out what the problem is, and then you fix it. I love it!”
Congratulations, Twyla! Thank you Daimler Trucks North America for your support of transportation technician students and Career and Technical Education through TechForce Foundation’s scholarships.
To apply for TechForce Foundation scholarships, visit techforce.org/scholarships
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