SB auto student finds synergy

By GABRIEL CANTU
TSTC Communication Specialist
gabriel.cantu@tstc.edu

HARLINGEN, TX—One might say that Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Automotive Technology student Jesus Quintero, of San Benito, comes by his love of automobiles naturally. While growing up he was intrigued by watching his father, a mechanic, resolve automotive issues.

Quintero took the initiative to learn more about the automotive industry by getting hired as a retail sales specialist at O’Reilly Auto Parts. After a year on the job, he decided to further his knowledge by pursuing a certificate of completion in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair at TSTC.

“I wanted to gain a better understanding of automotive parts, how they work, and learn from the people who work at the store,” the San Benito resident said. “Then I became interested in learning how to diagnose vehicles, and I considered TSTC. A territory sales manager from O’Reilly Auto Parts visits automotive shops, and TSTC’s Harlingen campus is on his route. He had an enrollment coach reach out to me so I could enroll in the Automotive Technology program.” Quintero said the program is teaching him proper automotive techniques.

“The instructors give in-depth knowledge about how vehicles work, and how to diagnose and repair them,” he said. “It’s perfect that they are experienced because I want to keep learning. They challenge every student who asks a question so we can learn how that item works.”

Quintero said his favorite hands-on assignment has been disassembling and reassembling an engine in the Automotive Engine Repair course. “It’s fascinating to learn how an engine functions,” he said.

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