Andrew is an amazing human being with tons of potential and a list of accomplishments already behind him at the age of 24. After graduating high school, Andrew studied for a year at Shasta College and then completed two years of training as an auto mechanic, receiving 4 ASE certifications and obtaining a summer placement at a local auto shop.
Some people in his life told him he’d never be able to succeed as a mechanic, but he knew he could do it and didn’t let those voices keep him from his potential.
Coming from a group home and living with his parents for a time, Andrew did not have many of the life skills needed for living on his own. However, when he finally obtained his own apartment, he was ready to apply his CAN DO attitude to this very challenge. Moving in, he took on the challenge of learning to cook, clean, iron, do laundry, how to use bleach properly, keep his mail organized and handle difficult neighbors. It was amazing how much he learned in such a short time because of his persistence, courage and positive attitude. Andrew’s ILS Life Coach often tells him he is the most motivated client she has ever worked with. He has worked so hard to arrive where he is today.
Now Andrew is working two jobs, practicing life skills, meeting with a tutor and planning to go back to college to study computers. His goal and passion is to get paid to work on computers, or as he affectionately refers to it, become a “professional nerd.” With his determined spirit, there is no stopping him and we will get to see just how high this young man can soar!