MC student is “breaking the mold” studying Automotive TechnologyDecember 10, 2019

“My Dad raised my two sisters and me to be self-sufficient,” said Bianca DeLaRosa “He instilled a sense of independence, a sense that we can figure out our own problems.  We do not need help. So in a way, my Dad inspired me to study Automotive Technology at Midland College.”

MC’s Automotive Technology Program welcomes and encourages women to start, strive and succeed in this field.

“The education that MC’s Automotive Technology Program provides helps women thrive in this growing industry,” said Pete Avalos, department chair and Automotive Technology professor. “Everyone has a right to learn about cars and work in this field. There is even a sweet spot for women in this industry right now.  More women are car owners, which drives the demand for female auto technicians. Also, in general, auto technician jobs are growing faster than companies can hire. This is especially true for the Permian Basin.”

“There are so many companies just waiting for MC students to graduate so they can hire us,” said DeLaRosa. “The job market is really good right now for auto techs. The program hosts a lot of job fairs to connect local companies and MC students.”

DeLaRosa enjoys the challenge of diagnosing a vehicle’s problem and fixing it.

“For me, studying Automotive Technology at Midland College is like a puzzle,” said DeLaRosa. “A car is like the human body.  As a mechanic, I am like the car’s doctor. A car has everything a human has: the engine is the heart; wires are like veins.  If you install a wire incorrectly, the engine will not work.”

The coursework is a combination of academic courses and highly specialized technical classes. DeLaRosa enjoys the technical side.

“The classes are very hands on so I get experience working with tools,” said DeLaRosa. “The MC Automotive Technology lab has an alignment machine and a tire-changing machine, basically everything you need to fix a vehicle. There are expensive tools you would not expect a community college program to have. Every tool you will handle in a real-world job is here, and there are a lot of tools when it comes to working on cars.”

As important as tools are, safety is also a very critical part of the program.

“Safety is the first priority at MC,” said DeLaRosa. “The first day you walk in the classroom and lab everybody is making sure you follow the rules. I always remember to wear my safety glasses, pull my hair up, wear closed-toed shoes and clothes that fit so I do not get caught on anything.”

DeLaRosa has demonstrated such tremendous attention to detail in her classes and was recently recruited to work as a lab assistant in the program. 

“Bianca works hard in her classes, so I knew she would have a good work ethic as an employee for the Automotive Technology Program,” said Avalos. “Since she is studying with us, she has an insider’s view and knowledge that she can pass on to students.”

“I supervise the lab and watch over the students and equipment when the professors are not there,” said DeLaRosa. “I make sure all the tools are placed back correctly, I make sure the space is clean, and I make sure the students do not get hurt while they are working in the shop.”

DeLaRosa says MC stands out because of how much the faculty and staff care about students. Time and again they have worked with her on everything from academics to advising. She says that support should make everyone feel like they can study anything at MC.

“I have found Automotive Technology is fun, and I really enjoy it,” said DeLaRosa. “It is one of those programs that can contribute to your lifetime of learning. It is always useful to know how to change a tire or how to change your own oil, so come on down to MC and learn how your car works.”