Auto-Diesel student Eric Jackson (AD-204) is a perfect example of what it takes to be successful. After years of warehouse work and dead end jobs, he knew he needed to make changes in his life that would benefit him long-term. Change is uncomfortable and it can be hard. “I used to work with a woman that complained about everything! She was never happy and just brought down the entire place. I told her one day, ‘Things aren’t going to change by you complaining. You have to make changes in yourself and move on.’” Jackson realized once those words came out of his mouth, he might as well take his own advice. “It was a $90 oil change that tipped me over the edge to realize I needed a skill I could make into a career,” he says. He left his job, enrolled at OTC and now works full-time second shift at Penske, where he was just promoted to a level 3 tech. He hasn’t looked back and regrets nothing. “I’m not sure my 18-year-old self would have understood the value of a skilled trade or would have had the discipline to take notes, study, ask questions and make my education a priority.” Jackson admits time management has been a difficult skill to master. He feels, “things have happened they way they needed to happen for me to know the value of what I’m learning now and where it can take me.” Jackson acts as a mentor to other students, “I offer suggestions and advice to other students in hopes they will listen – and it will avoid them making some of the mistakes I made when I was their age,” he laughs. Jackson hopes to continue his training in OTC’s Power Generator program, knowing learning that additional skill will open more doors and options. “I’ve lived in Cleveland most of my life, and it will always be my home. I’m ready though to explore beyond Ohio.”