“I have learned a lot about the automotive industry,” wrote Hunter-Tannersville senior Elijah Ruoff in his final WISE journal entry. “And I have decided that [being an auto-mechanic] is not the career choice for me.”

For part of his WISE project, Elijah interned at two auto body shops, Legg’s Garage and Pete’s Hunter Auto, to learn about and gain hands-on experience in the auto industry. In exchange for assisting Pete Figiel in his shop, Elijah also got help fixing his 2001 Ford F 150 XLT. By the end of his WISE journey, Elijah hoped to trade his renovated car for a 2002 Subaru Forester XT and start his auto-mechanic career. But everything did not go as planned.

The WISE Journal

Elijah wrote in his journal, a main component of the WISE project, every day from February 3, 2014 through May 13, 2014 to record his progress and growth in the program. Filling his electronic journal with pictures, research and reflection, Elijah documented the highs and lows of his eye-opening WISE experience—an experience that changed him, a student aspiring to be an auto-mechanic, into an adult reconsidering his future in the car industry.

The Passionate Start

With a “devout love and passion for automobiles,” Elijah began his WISE project.

“Today is hopefully the last day that I’m stuck in school without getting to do some hands on work for my project,” wrote Elijah on February 6^th. “I believe I will not only be able to restore my truck to 100 percent [but I will also] gain a huge advantage over many other high school graduates that want to go into this field after high school.”

And his enthusiasm only grew.

A Beginning Entry: February 11, 2014

On February 11^th, Elijah described his first day working alongside Daryl at Legg’s Garage:

The Research

To prepare for his future as an auto-mechanic, Elijah researched many aspects of the auto industry—from the salary of an auto mechanic to the potential job market. He also learned by interviewing professional auto-mechanics and through his internships.

On March 28th, Elijah wrote, “I got to see the difference between changing a timing belt in a Volkswagen and changing a timing belt in a Saab [at Pete’s]. It was a great learning experience.”

Elijah’s wide-range of research allowed him to view the auto industry from multiple angles—and he loved what he saw. Below are three journal entries in which Elijah documents his research:

The Challenges: A Journal Timeline

“I am missing Pete’s shop. I haven’t put in some good time in about a whole week. I miss the scent of the shop, exhaust, gas and motor oil,” wrote Elijah on April 6^th as he began facing challenges on his WISE journey.

Here are some of the obstacles Elijah not only faced, but overcame:

At the end of his WISE journey, Elijah overcame his challenges and renovated his car:

Reconsidering His Auto-Mechanic Future

At the end of his WISE project, Elijah decided that he would not pursue a career in the auto industry.

“[Being an auto mechanic] is not a job. It’s more of a lifestyle choice. Your life is consumed by it—whether you are making 34 thousand a year or owning your own business,” said Elijah about his decision to reconsider his future.

Read an excerpt from Elijah’s final journal entry:

“There were also other career opportunities I was more interested in,” Elijah continued. “I want to help society and make it a safer place for the community and world. I want to have a positive influence on society.”

With plans to become a State Trooper, Elijah is majoring in criminal justice at Hudson Valley Community College and will continue working on cars as a hobby.