Fulfilling a Lifelong Interest: Auto Tech Student Mariah Presley

In need of a career change, Mariah knew an education would provide the skills required for different opportunities. Unsure of what area to pursue, she asked a friend for advice.  

“He said, ‘With cars or anything mechanical, you light up. When you talk about it, you can see how interested you are.’ I was looking for a school that was not just going to give me a quick program and a diploma,” said Mariah. After searching, she found CCP. 
 
“I applied to the school and financial aid; within 36 hours I received a message– congrats, you’re in! I was so excited and relieved. Fall 2022 semester was starting within the next few weeks. It was a smooth process, and I really appreciated it,” she said.  
  
“I always loved to tinker with different mechanical things and watched my family work on cars, and I also couldn’t continue to let everyone tell me what’s wrong with my vehicle when I know the basics of how it works,” said Mariah.   
  
She started with the Automotive Technology certificate first to get her feet wet. “l loved it so much, I let my advisor know that I wanted to enroll in the degree program,” said Mariah.  

After taking the placement test, Mariah started in English 097 and began taking credited courses in Spring 2023. She started as a full-time student, working more than 30 hours a week at a medical alert company, where she is the team lead for the customer care department. She’s also a mom with a teenage son. Since being in the Automotive Technician program, Mariah has been part of a Work-study internship, offered through the Women’s Transportation Society, at The Philadelphia Airport. Instead of working on machinery, she worked on the facilities management side of the transportation industry, creating GIS maps, floor plans assistance for tenants and investors, and working with the key shop to change locks and assign new keys.  

Mariah is also interested in the College’s Medium and Heavy Truck Technology and Welding programs, if not offered through an employer. She sees a need for mobile truck repair technicians that would be on call to assist truck drivers. She’s also interested in designing cars for competitions.  

“I love the fact that you can really stretch your wings in this program. You don’t have to study one thing. My instructors are so supportive. They will check on you and email you, even faculty who are not my instructors. Having a village at school is important,” said Mariah.  

Mariah originally intended on going to college after high school but was faced with financial constraints. “I just went to work, and would figure it out later,” she said. Her mom attended the College as an adult student and transferred to Drexel University, eventually earning a bachelor’s in Nursing. Now fulfilling her goals of a college education, she urges others to pursue your dreams and further your education.  

“The journey is the journey. You’re never too old to go back to school. My goal is to help somebody realize that there really is no end of the road, just detours. Maybe you need a change of scenery. Try going back and getting your education. No one can ever take your education away from you. You’re still trying to better yourself, and it’s a positive, not a negative. I debated going back for years because I thought I was too old and didn’t want to go back to school in my 30’s. Put those fears and negativity out of your mind, because you’re the only person who is going to hold you back,” said Mariah.  

Mariah is now closer to finishing her education with the intention of graduating in 2025. This August, she plans to get her PA Emission and Inspection License through the college and looks to own her own garage/shop soon and is applying for different positions to further her expertise.