Meet Leah C.
Automotive Technical Services graduate
“There is so much strength in deciding to do something not typically expected of women.”
For 20-year-old Leah Carvajal, picking a career path wasn’t easy. After graduating high school, she had no idea what she wanted to do. Computer programming was a possibility, but she quickly realized a desk job wouldn’t be right for her.
She began searching online for options, coming across dozens of colleges and programs. When she found the Automotive Technical Services program at Hudson Valley, she says she “just felt something,” and that it was finally something she could picture herself doing. So, Leah enrolled in the program and never looked back.
“I loved the program here,” she says today, as she prepares to graduate with her associate degree. “It’s been so nice to learn from instructors who have such a wealth of knowledge, and I liked getting to work on both new and old cars.”
Though she values and takes pride in her independence, Leah has appreciated the help and support she’s received from her professors along the way. She has built great relationships with many of her instructors over the past two years, especially Professor Howarth, who she says is known for making classes feel “less stressful.”
After lots of hard work and dedication, her senior year at Hudson Valley ended on a high note when she earned the ATS Top Wrench Student of the Year award in her class. The award, presented by the Automotive Department to one student at the end of each academic year, is based on grades, capability and attitude. Not only did Leah secure this special recognition, but she has made history by becoming the first woman to ever win the award.
“I’m very happy,” Leah says of the honor. “I’m excited to know that I’m the first woman to receive it, but even more excited to know that there will be so many more women after me. Things like this hold so much value, because despite any negativity, no one can take away winning an award or accolade. And there is so much strength in deciding to do something not typically expected of women.”
Recently, Leah attended the college’s Applied Technologies Career Fair, where she secured a job with Albany Light Truck and Repair on the spot. She is now graduating with the Class of 2024, and is very excited to see what the future holds.
“I think the industry will change to be more accepting,” she says. “When you get to the job and they see how well you work, there’s nothing to worry about. No matter what people say, you should always persevere, because you can do it!”