DRIVING TOWARD SUCCESS

Alex Carter

Alex Carter joined the CDL Program in September 2021 because of his love of the vehicles and how they operate.

“I really like the driving and training,” Carter said.

After completing the program, Carter plans to go into the towing and recovery business.

“We do a lot of driving 24-7 to get us ready,” Carter said. “It gets me more practice on shifting more and learning how to drive the trucks more.”

Carter also praised both instructors, Justin Onigkeit and Justin Lang’s, teaching, saying that they made it much easier for him to learn the material and processes.

“Justin and Justin are both good teachers,” Carter said. “I love being at Lake Land and learning from them.”

Carter with the Virage VS600M CDL Training Simulator

ARTURO DIAZ

Arturo Diaz chose to join the CDL Program at Lake Land College after nearly 25 years of working in a warehouse for Sherwin-Williams. Upon completing the CDL program, Diaz will have the ability to drive for the Sherwin-Williams fleet of trucks.

“I had always wanted to be a truck driver,” Diaz said. “This program gave me the opportunity to learn something I have wanted to learn for a long time.”

Diaz said the reason he waited so long to join the program was because he had small children. Now, his children are adults, and his son is also a Lake Land College alumnus.

“My son went here, and he never had a bad thing to say about Lake Land,” Diaz said. “I am glad I could get into this place to learn and be around these people.”

Diaz also said he learned a lot about the patience involved in driving when he taught his wife how to drive.

“It’s a lot to learn, and I didn’t realize that,” Diaz said. “The way both Justins [Onigkeit and Lang] teach is great. It’s a friendly environment, and it gives you the opportunity to be around all of the stuff you need to learn about.”

"It's a friendly environment, and it gives you the opportunity to be around all the stuff you need to learn about." -Diaz (above)