Putting Together the Puzzle Pieces of Machinery: Kayla’s Story

With a family who don’t know machinery or how to work on cars, Kayla is the trailblazer of the bunch. She’s pursuing a Diesel Technology education at Truckee Meadows Community College, and in addition to the pride of putting her degree up on the wall, she’s excited to solve the technical puzzles that machinery presents.

College: Truckee Meadows Community College, studying Diesel Technology

• What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM or a trade, and what excites you most about this path?

  I love the to learn about machinery and how the engineers come up with variations of the same engine. I feel like the puzzle is there but it needs to be done with detail and full-picture perspective.

• How do you see this scholarship helping you achieve your career goals, and what difference do you hope to make in your field?

  This will be put toward tools, which invests in my ability to perform earnestly. I just hope to be the best in terms of expertise and being a woman in the shop. Gotta represent!

• Who has been your biggest supporter or role model throughout your education?

  My grandparents, in particular my grandma.

• What are you most excited about as you begin your college or trade school journey?

  Being able to put a degree on the wall. I feel like people doubted me but I did it.

• What’s one fun fact about you that people might not expect from someone pursuing a career in your field?

  My family doesn't like to work on machinery. They don't work on vehicles, and they don't know a thing about my field.

• If you could instantly learn any skill before starting college or trade school, what would it be?

  How to guess bolt size accurately.

• If you had an entire day to do whatever you wanted—no school or work—how would you spend it?

  I would spend it with my daughter, either building something or swimming or camping…something to hold special.