You can do anything you put your mind to.
Automotive Graduate Ethan Kelley Persevered Through Weekly Four-Hour Commutes For Class and After Hurricane Ida Hit His Family Hard
Ethan Kelley will graduate this spring with an Associate of Applied Science in Vehicle Service and Repair Technologies with a concentration in Diesel Heavy Truck Technology.
Kelley said he chose to attend BRCC because of the professional staff and quality of the program compared to others that caught his eye. His main interest in BRCC’s program was followed after taking several Automotive and Diesel courses while in high school and learning about the high demand for technicians in the industry.
Although Kelley is graduating this spring with honors, it has not always been easy. To attend class, he had to make more than a four-hour drive round trip every week. Additionally, Last fall, Ethan’s hometown of Houma endured widespread damage during Hurricane Ida which left him and others without water, electricity, and internet for nearly a month.
He persevered and stayed focused on his studies despite the overwhelming challenges. When reflecting on the challenges, he said it’s important that you, “Don’t give up and don’t sell yourself short. You can do anything you put your mind to.”
Kelley said he was very fortunate to have outstanding instructors at BRCC and an excellent training facility with top-of-the-line equipment.
BRCC’s Automotive Training Center is a state-of-the-art training facility with fully equipped diesel labs, industry standard diagnostic/technical labs, and high-tech classroom environments. The center provides specialized classroom instruction and practical shop experience to prepare individuals to engage in the servicing and maintenance of all types of automobiles.
Kelley was fortunate to train at BRCC’s facility, and since enrolling at the College, he has also had the opportunity to work in the industry. He is currently teaching a Diesel Technology course at his former high school to inspire the next generation of diesel heavy truck technicians.
He said, “I am extremely proud to be a BRCC graduate and ecstatic about what the future holds for me now that I’m beginning to see all the hard work is starting to pay off.”
He is graduating with honors and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
As he looks to the future, Kelley wants incoming students in the Vehicle Service and Repair program to know that the field has become more advanced and technology-driven, but encourages students to maintain their focus to succeed in the classroom and the industry.
Ethan has started working in his field and was recently hired by Terrebonne Tech Center in Houma.