Diesel student shattering stereotypes
Student of the Week: Brittany Manrique
Confident and at ease in a predominantly male-dominated field, Brittany Manrique says she was learning about diesel engines likely before most of her classmates.
Originally from Donna, Brittany says she was inspired to enter a career in diesel technology since age five, traveling with her father, a long-haul truck driver across the nation. Whenever he was home, she was eager to help in the garage as he performed regular maintenance on the truck engine.
Years later, those early experiences with her father on the road have enabled her to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology at South Texas College. Brittany now looks ahead to graduation this May.
“Don’t be scared to be who you are. I have had plenty of people tell me that I can’t do this, or I won’t make it because I’m a girl, but I have to live my life.”
“I have always wanted to be a diesel technician because of my dad,” Brittany said. “I have been around it my whole life, since I was five years old, and I went all over the United States with him.”
Diesel Technology students at STC receive the skills necessary for the repair of diesel engines, electrical and electronic control systems, hydraulic systems, air brakes, suspension, steering, and transmissions through a combination of lecture, lab work, troubleshooting, and diagnostic procedures.
Students are able to receive their Diesel Technology certificate or associate from the program.
“I’m pretty comfortable in this field,” she said. “I grew up with my dad and three brothers, so I think I get along with guys more than I do girls sometimes. It doesn’t bother me at all.
“To other females wanting to go down this route, I would tell them to not be afraid,” she said. “Don’t be scared to be who you are. I have had plenty of people tell me that I can’t do this or I won’t make it because I’m a girl, but I have to live my life.”