Midland College student pursues dream of owning auto shop

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The Diesel Technology program at Midland College has helped provide Jimmy Espinoza with professional direction. | Pixabay

One thing about the oil field is veteran rig hands know the money is great but there are going to be great times and there are going to be rough times.

The feast or famine existence led Jimmy Espinoza to seek out making a living while following his passion of working on cars. The Midland native learned how to change oil when he was 16 years old and picked up a working knowledge of automobiles, Midland College reported. Two years ago, Espinoza decided to find something a little more dependable and went to work at All American Chevrolet.

The decision meant a pay cut, but Espinoza is focused on creating a pathway to success that includes broadening his horizons. He has begun taking diesel classes twice a semester at Midland College. Espinoza’s goal is to open his own shop and work on both gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

“I learned a long time ago that nothing is easy in this world,” Espinoza said. “If you want something bad enough, you have to work hard for it and give everything you do 100%. I decided to start the Diesel Technology program because it will open a lot of doors for my career. I’m learning how to work on more than just gasoline-powered vehicles. I’m receiving hands-on training in heavy equipment, 18-wheelers, rigs and pumps. The instructors are awesome because they all have hands-on experience in the diesel industry.”

Espinoza did not take a conventional education path. Without a father figure in his life, Espinoza got in his share of trouble and was even kicked out of Midland High School. Determined to graduate on time, Espinoza enrolled in Midland Premier High School and graduated in 2008. He went from job to job, settling into oilfield before seeking out a profession in which he had a passion.

The Midland Rotary Club is helping students in the Applied Technology programs with scholarship assistance. Funds will be raised in an upcoming clay shoot, “Shoot for the Future,” which will be Friday, March 19 at Windwalker Farms in Stanton.