Mikey Mason can best be defined as a trailblazer. They were one of the first students to take advantage of Middle College’s first year of offering Grade 13, an optional additional year of high school for students who wish to continue taking Durham Technical Community College courses for free.
William Evans, the College Liaison at Middle College, said that Mikey was one of only six of last year's seniors who took advantage of this opportunity.
“There is typically a level of fear or reservation when anything new and different is introduced. However, Mikey let their desire to succeed overcome any misconceptions or stigmas around remaining in high school for another year,” Evans said.
At the conclusion of Grade 13, Mikey will graduate with a high school diploma, a Durham Tech diploma in Automotive Systems Technology, as well as an additional Durham Tech certification in Automotive Machining.
Evans adds that Mikey’s pursuit of a career in auto mechanics, a field heavily dominated by traditionally defined males, also gives insight into their trailblazing spirit and willingness to overcome obstacles and stereotypes.
Mikey says they enjoy many aspects of the car community and have met with success as an aficionado.
“One success that I have achieved is being able to work on my own car and the cars of my friends and family that have less knowledge about the automotive industry,” they said. “It feels rewarding to be able to help people and keep them from wasting their money with predatory shops and mechanics, as well as being able to teach them about their own vehicles in ways that will help them in the future.”
Mikey speaks to overcoming the challenge of “being a woman in this industry and having to work twice as hard to earn the same respect and be taken as seriously as my male peers.”
Unfazed, they continue to hone their skills in the automotive arena.
“When I’m not working or in school, I enjoy the car community in different ways, like attending car shows or legal pits and building vehicles for fun, show, or sport,” Mikey said. “I also love the media side of the car community, such as creating edits or taking photos showcasing these vehicles that people put so much time, effort, passion, and money into.”
They plan on starting work immediately after graduation to gain hands-on experience and continue learning through practice.
“I would like to start with a dealership and explore continuing education options and apprenticeships along with benefits and corporate pay scales,” Mikey said. “I want to gain experience through working for both corporations and independent shops, then eventually open my own business in the automotive industry. I want to make connections and learn from as many different people as possible.”
Mikey is determined to be a successful automotive specialist and is influenced greatly by those from whom they can learn.
“My instructors and friends with more experience in the automotive field really motivate and support me. This is what I enjoy doing and would like to do as a career, and the thought of having to do anything else with my life motivates me to put in the work and be the best that I can be.”
