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STUDENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT - September 2007

Harold Wilson, Jr.

Automotive Analysis and Repair

Danville Community College student Harold Wilson, Jr., 19, of South Boston, pauses before he explains why he chose to enroll in DCC’s Automotive Analysis and Repair program.

He is reflecting on his grandfather. Wilson says his late grandfather who loved vehicles inspired his choice of major at the college. He recalls visiting his grandfather’s house each day after school and helping him work on cars. He says he remembers the excitement he had just being with him.

“I looked up to my grandfather. He was always working on a vehicle,” says Wilson, who enrolled at DCC in Fall 2006. “As far as I can remember, I used to help him take off tires and perform other jobs. Just working with him meant a lot to me.”

Wilson, the son of Harold and Sheila Wilson, says he was saddened by his grandfather’s death in 2001, but decided to continue his passion by learning the automotive repair business. While at Halifax County High School, Wilson took two years of automotive courses through DCC’s dual enrollment program. When he graduated from HCHS in Spring 2006, he continued his studies by enrolling at DCC’s main campus.

“We work on electrical parts, fuel systems, transmissions, engine rebuilding, suspension and alignment,” explains Wilson, who will graduate with a Diploma in Automotive Analysis and Repair in Spring 2008. “I’ve gotten to learn new parts of a car and had more in-depth instruction from what I learned in high school.”

Students in the Automotive Analysis and Repair Diploma program also acquire theoretical and practical experience in engine tune up, emission control servicing, power train servicing and many other automotive functions.

Wilson notes that enrolling at DCC was a perfect choice because it was close to home and affordable.

“I don’t have any difficulties at DCC,” Wilson admits. “I’m just tying to get A’s and B’s. I’m working as hard as I can so I can find a better job faster.”

His hard work is paying off as he earned all A’s in his automotive classes and was named to the Vice President’s Honors List last spring, and the President’s Honors List this past summer. He says that he is going to college to enhance his skills for an automotive technician position with a new car dealership. He is also following in family tradition by coming to DCC.

“I heard good things about DCC from family who have attended the college,” says Wilson. “My uncle graduated from DCC with a degree in Electrical/Electronics. Even my aunt is a graduate of the (DCC) nursing program. My oldest sister, Krystle, also plans to enroll in the (Practical Nursing) program when she finishes high school.”

Wilson attributes his success at DCC to the caring faculty and staff who go the extra mile to help students succeed.

“My experience at DCC has been great,” says Wilson. “The faculty and staff help students with everything they need to get started at college. In the automotive program, I think that Mr. Rakes (Danny Rakes, Associate Professor of Automotive Analysis and Repair) and Mr. Roche (William Roche, Professor of Automotive Analysis and Repair) provide good demonstrations. They are able to break down the instruction to enhance the learning experience.”

Rakes says he enjoys having Wilson in class.

“He is a very good student and very humble,” says Rakes. “Once he’s tested and given a project, he does an excellent job. The company that hires him will have a good technician.”

Rakes adds DCC automotive students have a variety of employment opportunities upon graduating. They generally seek positions such as Automotive Technician, Auto Parts Counter Clerk, Diagnostician, Automotive Machinist, Service Manager, Automotive Dealer and Service Representative.

For more information about the Automotive Analysis and Repair program, contact Danny Rakes at 434.797.8521; Bill Roche, at 434.797.8534; toll free: 800.560.4291, ext. 8521 or ext. 8534; or click here.