I grew up around a bunch of boys. Tomboy if you will. I always took “Girls CAN’T ….” as a personal challenge. In High School, I tried out for the Varsity Football team and MADE IT! (I have pics if you like) Now.. I stand all of 5’3″ and in HS, weighed 110 lbs. I was a tail back and corner back for our team. (The coach put me out there, so I couldn’t “wimp-out” and try to be a kicker)
I got much more ‘adoration’ than I expected from the other girls in my high school, making me a sort of peer-hero. It didn’t stop there. On May 7th 2010, I will graduate with a degree in Automotive Technology. (Fancy word for “A REAL-LIFE Auto Mechanic”
I weigh about 125 lbs, currently and always get the “stares” from the guys in the class thinking “she’s too petite to be out here in the shop”. Well, with a basic understanding of physics and leverage, you can do ANYTHING, no matter HOW small you are. The “Older” generation instructors of this program have adopted the nickname “Rosie” for me, after the Rosie the Riveter poster of the WWII era. (YES WE CAN!)
4 comments
Carol "c00k!3" Astorga
Well hello my fellow Techer!!! I seen you in Rebel Rodz Mag and was so so happy someone finally said what I had been thinking! Im so happy your representing for “US WOMEN” in Automotive! We all have a lot in common, I was a tomboy too my whole life. Im currently going to Wyotech Long Beach C.A and honestly I cant see myself being anything other than a mother, wife or automotive technician! Toots, the day u open “Dirty Girl Automotive” give me a call, Im too down! :)
Natasha Salazar Spetz
OK… per my friend…I did not tell the WHOLE story. I met my husband in the Automotive program, 7 yrs ago. I took time off of school to get married and have babies. a Husband and 4 kids later… I realized it was time to finish my degree. So I’m BACK in school with two 9yr-olds, one 4yr-old, and one 2yr-old to take care of…. not to mention my “oldest”…. my 29-yr-old! (husband) :d/
Natasha Spetz
Thank you Gretchen! If you look at the picture again, I am actually standing INSIDE the ‘underhood’ of the car! It is a 1999 Dodge Intrepid so it is not a very large car. I like this picture because it shows ‘scale’ of how small I actually am. :)
gretchen
Awesome story! And I love the picture. I love your quote “Well, with a basic understanding of physics and leverage, you can do ANYTHING, no matter HOW small you are.” So true!