Editor’s Forum

EDITOR’S FORUM ROSA SOPHIA • MANAGING EDITOR

LIFE IS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Industry events offer both networking and educational opportunities, yet not everyone takes advantage. The question is, why not?

When I enrolled in automotive school, I had to take a life skills class before entering automotive technology courses. I fought hard, insisting it wasn’t necessary. I had already transferred credits from a previous degree program where I’d been studying psychology. What could I possibly learn from this?

My instructor was a business expert and lecturer named Hector Hernandez, author of a book called You Don’t Need Talent to Succeed: But Everything Else Counts. He handed out a workbook which was meant to help us explore our dreams and motivations. Looking back, I can see how a lot of what we discussed in class—whether intentionally or unintentionally—touched on the importance of a healthy work and life balance.

After taking the class, I realized I had enjoyed it. We discussed some already-familiar topics, but Mr. Hernandez offered a different perspective. A new angle. His charisma and enthusiasm inspired me, and I saw the way it inspired my classmates.

FEELING RESISTANT? CONSIDER YOUR MOTIVATION.

While working on this issue, I interviewed retailers who attended KnowledgeFest Orlando. Some of them expressed disappointment that more retailers and technicians from Florida hadn’t attended. Perhaps business owners felt the shop was too busy and they couldn’t get away. Some of the retailers I interviewed suggested that maybe some people feel they’ve been in the industry for so long there’s nothing new to explore.

Part of embracing change and exploring new things involves being willing to look at one’s own motivations. When I think back to that first class at Lincoln Tech, my resistance was pure ego. I felt certain my previously acquired credits should have sufficed, and I was resentful and irritated when I learned it was a requirement. As the class went on, though, I grew more comfortable. It wasn’t so bad, and maybe I was learning something after all.

This was one of many experiences which led me to ask, “Why am I reacting this way? What’s my motivation?” Asking these questions requires deep honesty with oneself, but being willing to do this can help open doors and reveal new opportunities.

Recently, I spoke with Jayson Cook of Columbus Car Audio & Accessories and asked him why he felt it was important for retailers and technicians to continue attending trainings. He said he always learns something when he goes to KnowledgeFest. He told me that just because he teaches, doesn’t mean he’s all-knowing. And while this may be an obvious point, sometimes we forget there’s still more to learn. And if we aren’t present and open to it, we just might miss the chance.

IF YOU KEEP AN OPEN MIND, YOU’LL ALWAYS LEARN SOMETHING NEW.

It’s my personal feeling that regrets are

Part of embracing “ just things we’ve failed to learn from. Keep ing an open mind, exploring motivations and seizing opportunities—even when we think we’ve done it all—can lead to truly change and exploring memorable experiences. The truth is, we never know what opportunities life will new things involves bring. Life is its own classroom, but this shouldn’t be the reason we turn away other being willing to educational opportunities. Instead, it should be the reason we embrace education. If you think you can’t possibly learn anylook at one’s own thing new at an industry event, think again. The simple act of being present can teach us motivations. more than we ever thought possible. With the rapid pace of change we’re seeing in ” today’s vehicles, it’s even more essential to get involved. Network and share with your peers. Teach. Bring nuggets of information back to the shop. Commit to educating yourself beyond the classroom. Today, I have happy memories of that class—memories I gathered once I let go of my initial negativity. I wish I still had the workbook, but I left it behind during a move. Not only am I grateful for the experience, I’m grateful for what came after. For the April 2016 issue of Mobile Electronics magazine, I interviewed Mr. Hernandez for a business feature on marketing. It was a great conversation. It brought me back to that small desk in the auditorium-style classroom at Lincoln Tech in Mangonia Park, Fla. where I listened to Mr. Hernandez talk about maintaining a positive mindset and seizing opportunities. Education, in itself, is an opportunity. Will you seize it? Why not?