The Glory of an Automotive Education from UNOH
Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2018
Written by Contributing Columnist Kyle Baker
What comes to mind when you hear the term “education”? For many, it rekindles memories from when your graduating class were state champions in a sporting event, or possibly takes you back to that after-school detention you know you didn’t deserve. Well if you’re lucky enough to be a UNOH alumni then it goes without saying that you have experienced the “bringing to life” of that very term… “Education”. You see, behind these brick walls and garage doors, it’s so much more than just turning a wrench. Anybody can turn a wrench, but only a select group of individuals in this world have a burning passion to turn that wrench. A passion so powerful that it led them to this place, their home away from home, the University of Northwestern Ohio.
Further behind the scenes of the College of Applied Technologies you’ll find it’s not just the students who are pulled here for their love of automotive applications, but the instructors as well. Most of these skilled craftsmen are, in fact, former students from the university and are all the best at what they do. They teach what they specialize in and take their job very seriously. Of course, you know what they say, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Being a full-time student, I have experienced what this university is all about and what these instructors believe in, and let me tell you, I can’t get enough of it. I am currently studying electrical systems associated with vehicles and although it is a challenge, my instructor Mr. Orsborne has been doing a phenomenal job at leading our class, not acting as a boss but a leader. He is instructing and teaching us by example and bringing real-world experiences to the table every day we meet. In a post-class interview Mr. Orsborne shed some light on his perspective of UNOH.
“We take what we learn in the classroom, and apply it to real life scenarios in the shop right outside our door. I have a great deal of respect and passion for the electrical side of the automotive industry and nothing makes me happier than getting the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to the students here,” said Orsborne. “My favorite part about my job is seeing where students take their success and make great things happen following their time here at UNOH.” The last thing said during our brief meeting was “I take enormous pride in helping students that may find this class a little more difficult than others.”
That really hit home for me and summed up what this university is all about; taking pride in what we do and how we do it. Everyone here strives to produce the nation’s best technicians and provides young men and woman with the leadership and guidance to graduate, while making a lasting difference in every endeavor they face. The true colors really come out when you sit and talk with somebody that is going through the phases of their journey at UNOH. Luke Smith is finishing up his first full year at the university and here is what he had to say; “The instructors here are very good at making certain all the students before them are learning the material and understanding the concepts involved in that particular course. My favorite class so far has been HVAC (heating/cooling systems in vehicles) it was amazing to learn everything there is to know about something everyone takes for granted. You never really know what goes into something like flipping the A/C switch on in your car until you come to UNOH and put the time in to learn it. When I get done here, I plan on taking all that I have learned and making some good money, turning wrenches and living out my dream. Basically fulfilling my goals of making others happy by performing everyday tasks that I love to do.”
Well there it is, the proof is in the pudding and you cannot argue facts. The University of Northwestern Ohio is putting the students first and doing whatever it takes to support their love for the automotive industry.
Category: Applied Technologies
Keywords: Automotive Technology, Kyle Baker
