Michele Dorow – Commercial Driver’s License (Class A)

After completing GHC’s six-week Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) class, Michele Dorow reflected on her experience and how she is applying her education today. The following was taken from a letter sent to GHC and shared with Michele’s permission.

I am most grateful for the CDL Class A Course Grays Harbor College offers. I began my first week of employment last week and couldn’t be more thrilled about my new career as a truck driver since completing the course this summer, August 2025. The safety skills I learned and practiced in the class are utilized daily. I am new to driving truck so my confidence level was very low when I first started class. In fact, although I was excited, I was simultaneously terrified of crashing the truck. By completion of the course, I am driving with confidence.

I am applying all skills learned: Staying off the white fog line in and after a turn; looking left to right six times at intersections; looking down every road and driveway in rural areas; slowing down early before stopping at lights and stop signs then stopping before the stop line; allowing a wide turn radius sufficient for avoiding grazing or smashing into objects; keeping a safe distance from other drivers, etc.

I also have confidence in practicing my pre-trip and post-trip skills daily. Since I have to perform backing maneuvers daily, I am grateful for the backing skills practiced in class.

I am convinced that I could not have gained this employment without the help of this class.  The instructors were tough and persistent.  They gave no slack in their education and demand for performance.  This class is a necessary part of the Grays Harbor community both for the economy and safety on the roads.  Many jobs are available and skilled, safe drivers are needed.  It is my hope that this class will always be THE class for truck driving education.

About the CDL Program

GHC has an excellent six-week CDL program. Recent cohorts have achieved a 100% pass rate on the Washington State Department of Licensing knowledge and skills tests to obtain Class A Commercial Driver’s Licenses. At the end of each six-week class, GHC hosts combined graduation and hiring events to help grads get on the road to new careers. To learn more, please visit the CDL program’s webpage or contact Roxa Banks at (360) 538-4070.