NMCC grad breaks the mold
When NMCC Automotive Collision Repair (ACR) student Cassandra Lunney started planning for college, she initially considered pursuing a career in the medical field and had an interest in nursing. Lunney knew she wanted a career that was financially rewarding and believed she needed to attend a four-year college to make that happen.
Lunney’s plans changed during her senior year at Presque Isle High School, when she was trying to decide what classes to take. Her sister encouraged her to attend the auto body repair program at the Caribou Regional Technology Center (CRTC).
“She thought I would like it,” said Lunney, whose family owns Blaine Truck Garage, a business that was built by her grandparents several years ago. Lunney grew up in the shop, where she washed, waxed and detailed trucks. Her father, a truck driver and diesel mechanic, also influenced her decision to pursue a trade.
With support from her guidance counselor, Lunney was able to join the second year of the auto body repair program at the CRTC. Being a new student in the program, Lunney had to quickly adjust to the fast-paced environment. Although being a fast learner helped, Lunney is also thankful for the support she received from her instructor, Ken Westin, who spent time with her to ensure she completed projects properly. According to Lunney, Westin supported females in the trades. “Mr. Westin was very proud to have a girl in his class. He wanted more girls in his program.”
While in high school, Lunney also participated in Totally Trades, an annual event held at NMCC where females in grades 8-12 have the opportunity to explore trade and technical careers.
Given her CRTC training, Lunney decided to pursue automotive collision repair at NMCC. After visiting a technical college in Connecticut, she knew she wanted to earn her education closer to home.
Lunney feels that the education she received at NMCC is comparable to working in an actual auto body shop. “I am getting more life experiences at NMCC and a sense of what working in the field is like. I am learning more here than just what’s in a textbook.” She reports that her ACR instructor, Bob Collins, has fostered professional relationships with several shops in the area, which has led to more educational opportunities for the students.
One of Lunney’s most memorable experiences at NMCC was a class trip to Glidden Auto Body in Bangor, where the ACR students had an opportunity to work for two days. Several students received job offers as a result of this experience. While there, Lunney and her female classmate were interviewed by two of the area television stations, where they advocated for females in the trades.
During a recent visit to Bangor, Lunney had the opportunity to meet with the manager at Glidden Auto Body. “It was a very optimistic interview. I was offered a job at one of their shops in Brewer.” Lunney speaks very highly of the staff at the company. “The owner supports women in the trade. His shops have female painters and female managers. He is also fair and treats his customers well.” Lunney is excited for this wonderful opportunity to demonstrate her skills.
Lunney has many interests in the ACR field. “I would like to be a painter, and do airbrushing and lettering on the side. I am also interested in being an estimator or an adjuster because they make really good money.” She also aspires to someday open her own shop or become a teacher. Obtaining a job that provides financial stability and a pleasant environment are work values that are important to her.
Lunney states that the lack of diversity in the field is a challenge for women. “There are not many women in the shop, especially around here. We need to prove ourselves more because we are women.”
She feels that women work well with customers. “When we are providing an estimate to a customer after they have been in a car accident, we ask them if they are OK. I think this response comes naturally to girls.” In her experience, Lunney feels that females have a strong attention to detail and take their time when completing a task compared to their male counterparts. She believes that her strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, skills she says she developed as a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), will benefit her in her career.
“Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it. If you put your mind to it, you can do it. You will do 10 times better if you just have confidence in yourself,” she said.
