Isaac Gil - GHC Alum, Automotive Technology

Getting a “Running Start” on the Road to a Career

When Isaac Gil graduated from Grays Harbor College in June, 2023, he made history by becoming GHC’s first Running Start student to earn an associate degree in Automotive Technology.

Isaac’s decision to enroll in Running Start was largely based on the ability to graduate high school and prepare for a career without taking on debt. In his own words, Isaac was motivated to enroll by “the ability to get a degree so early and to get a head start, or a ‘running start,’ on a career in two years.”

The option to take classes at GHC instead of high school was also appealing to Isaac. “I think it’s such a great program that you don’t need to do two years of high school and can do more of it here,” Isaac said. “I took my English and Math classes at the College and that counted for high school too. I didn’t have to repeat myself and do those classes twice.”

When asked what advice he would share with students considering Running Start, Isaac said “do it!” Isaac encouraged other students to “take every opportunity you can. If you can’t find an opportunity, make an opportunity.” Isaac shared that his experience at GHC wasn’t always easy, but he was able to find the support he needed from his Running Start advisor, Lori Christmas. “Sometimes I had to talk to Lori to figure things out, but it’s worked out wonderfully for me. Anyone else who has an idea should at least ask and figure out what’s out there. You can get a head start and you don’t have to be stuck in high school for another year or two!”

While the idea of getting a “head start” on his career without taking on debt was appealing to Isaac, the opportunity to work on cars might have been what sealed the deal. “I’ve always loved cars, ever since the movie Cars came out,” Isaac shared. “When I was talking to Lori, I was like, ‘wait, there’s a program where I can work on cars? Sign me up!’”

As an Automotive student, Isaac enjoyed hands-on work the most. “The big projects” were his favorite. Isaac remembered “taking out and taking apart an engine and taking out and taking apart a transmission, and then putting them back together. That’s one thing I really liked, taking things apart and seeing how things work.”

One highlight in particular stood out as Isaac’s favorite memory from his Automotive classes: “Today, I got my engine running! It’s been a struggle, everything that could go wrong, went wrong.” Isaac also enjoyed getting to know his classmates. “In Automotive, we’re a close family almost. We’re good friends.”

Just before graduation, Isaac was awarded Automotive Student of the Year. In his acceptance speech, Isaac shared that he “didn’t even have a drivers license” when he began the Automotive program. Just two years later, he was on the road to a career.

Isaac said he felt confident in his skills and ready to hit the job market upon graduation. He credits his Automotive instructors, Jesse Kangas-Hanes and Molly Marks, with preparing him for a career. “Molly and Jesse have been amazing. They’ve been really great. Their thing is ‘we don’t want to make good technicians, we want to make good workers.’ Work ethic and responsibility is something they focus on too.”

Approaching graduation, Isaac shared that Molly helped him build a resume, he had a cover letter ready, and he felt confident about applying for jobs. “I already know that there are two shops interested in hiring me, so things are going well so far.”