OPEN ROAD FOR WOMEN Student enjoys Auto Tech program

Ellen von Fortune

The Advocate

Inside Building 18 on the Gresham campus is MHCC’s automotive program, where students learn how to work on and fix different cars.

This two-year program runs through all four academic terms each year. Mt. Hood’s automotive shops are set up with the most up-to-date training supplies and equipment to help students thrive.

One thing hasn’t changed over time: The automotive industry is a male-dominated field. I mean, go to any body shop and count how many females there are that aren’t working reception.

There is a stigma to being a woman in a male-dominated field. That goes for a lot of areas of society but with something like cars, the industry can be intimidating. There can be more judgment when a woman gets something wrong, and something as simply are not being as physically strong as their male counterparts is something that is often judged negatively.This list can go on and on.

Fortunately, that shouldn’t stop any- cause I knew I would be one of the only women in our class. It made me feel like people were going to expect more from me in order to respect me in the field,” she said – that feeling so common of women working in similar conditions. shop after my first term… but I think that it’s one of those things that you are never going to feel 100% ready for,” Kennedy said. Now she’s thankful and believes she learned a lot. one from signing up for the Mt. Hood auto tech program if it’s something you are interested in pursuing as a career.

However, it’s been a smooth road so far for Kennedy, nearing the end of her third term.

“My teachers are incredible. I haven’t ever experienced any sexism... making the school environment more comfortable,” she said.

Take it from current automotive student Emma Marie Kennedy, who says she’s doing just fine. “I was definitely intimidated going into the program be-