This spring, Alana Popp, a Long Subaru Auto Technician, had the opportunity to help facilitate SkillsUSA at the local high school, Blackstone Valley Tech. SkillsUSA Championships helps bring together industry and labor representatives, educators and the public to watch students compete in leadership and hands on skill events for a full day. At district, state and national levels students will win medallions, scholarships, tools and other awards. Alana sat down with our event organizer, Alexis, to talk about her volunteer experience.
Alexis: Let’s start with a little about you, when did you start working with cars?
 
I started working with cars in my freshman year of college. That was in 2019. 
 
Alexis: Awesome! So, what made you want to work with cars on the mechanical side of things?
Well, my first car was a junk car and always needed fixing. It decided to break down on the highway 2 weeks before I started college, and I had zero car knowledge. A nice mechanic ended up pulling over to help me. He was so kind, and patient and it really impressed me, so I ended up switching my major to auto tech that same day.
 
Alexis: That is cool. It is amazing how one act of kindness can really influence our lives. So, I know you love being involved with the community and helping our customers. But what is your favorite thing to show someone or a customer about cars?
 
Honestly, anything! I just love it when people are engaged and want to ask questions. I just appreciate it when they care enough to learn.
 
Alexis: That is awesome. I really think that you are great at explaining things as well. Now on to your day at Blackstone Valley Tech (BVT). Why did you choose to volunteer at the school with SkillsUSA?
 
After graduating from Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) I worked there in 2021 and then in 2022 I moved over to work at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) and I am currently still there.
While working there, I met Keith Pavia, who runs SkillsUSA, through advisory board meetings. He asked if I would be willing to judge a station for him at SkillsUsa.  
 
 
Alexis: Wonderful. So, tell us about your day at BVT. 
 
So, this competition was at a state level. We had students ranging from sophomores, juniors, and seniors. They are from all over Massachusetts. I was one of the judges at a station and as a judge I can’t know their names or where they are from. This helps protect us from having bias.
 
I make sure I come in a few hours early and set up. I then like to take some time and meet everyone else who is there and check out the other stations.
 
There were about 12 to 13 stations, and my station was the transmission station. Students had to take measurements and identify components from automatic and manual transmissions. 
 
We then have a team meeting before students come in with some reminders. Then the students make their way through the different stations and do their best to complete the assignment. While they are doing that, I am grading them and taking notes on how they do. After we hand in our notes on each student, things get tallied, and the winners are announced at an event the next day.
 
Alexis: Ok so my next question is what was your favorite part or experience of the day?
 
Encouraging nervous students and watching them build their confidence throughout the day. It’s cool because I can see that they can accomplish the task but watching them surprise themselves and be proud of what they achieved is the highlight of my day.
 
The other thing that is my favorite is after the station is complete, I get to answer questions and help clarify things. I like being able to make them feel comfortable and empowering them with knowledge, because I know how much that helped me.
 
 
Alexis: What is one thing you would tell others interested in being a technician?
This career is so challenging, but it is so rewarding and worth it. My biggest piece of advice is to find a good mentor, be a sponge and learn everything you can and don’t give up when it gets hard.
 
Thank you so much Alana for taking the time to let us get to know more about you and your work. We love that you volunteer and support the community by teaching others. We look forward to seeing what other great things you accomplish, and we are looking forward to our next Car Bar at Long Subaru in June with you!
