BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS — 51 provided a new outlook on life for Richard Rivas, who recently graduated from the Auto Body Repair Technology program.
“I told my teachers I really wish I was here years ago,” Rivas said. “I didn’t have the idea of going to college and didn’t know what I wanted to do in life.”
Before enrolling, Rivas worked in the food service and janitorial industries.
“I was super young at the time, in my early 20s, waking up early every morning and having to take care of the cafeteria pretty much on my own,” he said. “It wasn’t the right job for me.”
Seeking a new direction, he began researching programs offered at TSC.
“I went on my laptop and looked into TSC and saw what classes were out there, and I knew I wanted to get into cars,” he said.
After enrolling in the program, Rivas discovered a passion for restoring vehicles and connected with instructors who supported his growth.
Rivas said program coordinator Donald L. Wilt and instructor Edrick J. Cuevas played a major role in helping him complete the program.
“I never had teachers like them showing me so much about cars,” Rivas said. “How to restore them, how to paint and how to prep. It’s a blessing that this school has some great people.”
Wilt said Rivas’ dedication stood out.
“He stayed when we needed to complete a project,” Wilt said. “He was staying longer than regular class hours. He was always willing to help classmates. When we needed to go out to events, he was willing to showcase the program.”
Wilt encouraged Rivas to apply for the Collision Repair Education Foundation scholarship, valued at $2,500.
Rivas applied and was surprised when he learned he had been selected.
“I was shocked when I opened it up in the morning,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it. As I read the message, it was legit. This is going to help a lot with my future and my student loans.”
“Students don’t always take the time to complete applications,” said Wilt. “Hopefully this will open the eyes of other students, and they’ll apply for upcoming opportunities from the foundation.”
Once uncertain about his future, Rivas now has the skills and determination to pursue a full-time career in the auto body repair industry.
“I want to be out there doing what I do here and continue doing good work for people who really need it for their cars,” Rivas said.
