He unhinges the front hood as the metal pops open.He meticulously attaches wires and screws on bolts. With a smile on his face and grease on his hands, he steadily works hard on his engine.
Recently high school senior Yang Curry graduated from Tyler Junior College’s Automotive Technology program with certifications in driveline and engine performance.
Curry started his junior year after he took the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test. His classes are a combination of hands on, written and technology curriculum.
“I’ve always liked cars, and I like to work on things. That’s what sparked my interest.” — Yang Curry
Curry would leave the school at lunch and go to TJC until about 4 p.m. His classes were a mixture of both lectures on theory and practical application in lab. During his first semester, there were two classes that were taken back to back.
“[Curry] is really dedicated to his classes,” senior Josh Osinski said. “He is a really hard worker and is great at working on cars.”
There are two summer classes that are also required. These classes are HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and AUMT 2357 Automotive Alternative Fuels.
“The [summer] classes were difficult,” Curry said. “I learned many new skills and expanded on things I had already previously learned.”
He did a training program through FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). This program gives the opportunity for him to be able to work as a level 1 or level 2 technician for FCA dealerships (Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, etc.).
“Yang is one of the most motivated students I have had the pleasure of knowing,” Career & Technical Education Director Brent Berryman said. “He is always working hard and [is] very positive.”
