From Classroom to Garage: Teen Automotive Tech Students Repair Car for Single Mom in Need

Just when the world seems overwhelmed by challenges, a heartwarming tale emerges from the halls of Louisa County High School in Virginia. Teen automotive tech students, in collaboration with the local nonprofit Giving Words, recently showcased their skills and compassion by fully repairing a car for a struggling single mom, Michelle Mendez.

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“They have really been helping me and to get this car is just a blessing. It’s been hard as a single mom,” Michelle Mendez told CBS19 News. 

Automotive Tech Students Get Experience by Giving Back

In partnership with Giving Words, a local nonprofit that assists single mothers with their transportation expenses, the automotive tech students from LCHS were able to get hands-on experience repairing a real vehicle before handing it off to the driver. The organization also received a donation of $10,200 from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative to help purchase the car on behalf of Mendez.

Part of the students’ efforts was to give the car a multi-point inspection and make the appropriate repairs where needed. “Everything we did, we did the tires, the TPS sensor, the exhaust and the AC hose and everything, we just did that because we love giving back to our community here in Louisa. We just love giving back,” says LCHS Junior, Conner Wilbon.  

While spending the last two months fixing the car was a valuable experience that would prepare these teens for the real world if they were to pursue a career in the automotive industry, it was the gratitude that they felt knowing what a big deal this car is to Mendez.

“It warms my heart honestly, that she got the car, it just made me feel great, honestly,” Wilbon said. 

“I hope they are happy about what they have done, and grateful that it is going to someone that is really going to appreciate it use it,” Mendez said.