2024-2025 UHS CTE Students of the Month
University High School
September 2024 Student of the Month
Automotive
Senior Automotive - Brandon Picazo
My name is Brandon Picazo. I am a senior at University High School in Waco, Texas. I
have been in the Automotive class for four years in a row, and I never planned on changing it. The Automotive program at University High School showed me that the Automotive industry is more than just nuts and bolts. It’s specific hand tools, special sockets, electrical, and diagnostics. This class has prepared me for my future career. Before high school, I wanted to become a mechanical engineer and go to a 4-year college, but I realized I wanted to be more hands-on rather than being behind a computer. I would rather be on the field than watching it, so I decided to pursue a career in the Technician industry in the summer before 9th grade.
After being in the Automotive class for more than 3 years, I have learned more than I
ever thought I could. From the first year learning shop safety and hand tools to the second year learning and using the shop equipment, it has given me experience and knowledge of what the industry is going to be like after college. In the third year of the Automotive class, you get to apply the knowledge from the first and second years on an actual vehicle to make repairs or diagnoses. My third year of Automotive class has to be one of my favorite classes out of all my classes in high school hands down. When being taught by Garry Englebrecht, a teacher with more than enough experience, you will learn every day and get experience every week. I knew that I would decide if I was staying in this industry or not in my third year. I learned many things from Mr. Engelbrecht: everything from ratchets and impacts to Allen wrenches and sockets to multimeters to air ratchets and alignments. There is so much to know that one is left amazed at what the industry can bring.
After high school, I plan on attending TSTC to get my associate's degree in Diesel
Technology Specialization. I know for a fact that I will not be lost during class or in the field. After what I learned in Automotive at University High School, I will go into the field knowing most tools and all procedures necessary in the field. The knowledge imparted to me by my teachers and peers will prepare me for my future career. Thank you.