“If you want to make a life for yourself, you just gotta do the work.”
This is the motto Ethan was taught by his father, Shawn Evan, and it’s helped him remember that good things don’t come unless you put in the time for them to come to you. And good things came to Ethan, as he is a recent graduate of the AVTEC Diesel Mechanics program and the proud owner of a new truck.
“I didn’t think this is where I would end up” Ethan said in our interview. “My choices changed a lot though high school. At one point I wanted to be a pilot and go to the Air Force. I also thought I was going to go to college.” Ethan decided to take two years off after high school instead of transitioning to college, and that proved to be a tough time for him.
“In Nome I was having a hard time and not making good choices. One day I sat down and started thinking, ‘What am I doing with my life?’ and I was really disappointed with where I was. That thought was what I needed. I snapped out of it and decided I wanted to do something with my life.”
Ethan remembered back in high school Kawerak staff visited Shaktoolik and spoke about the Vocational Training program, where they helped students interested in attaining a certificate or degree from a vocational training or trade school program. “I have always been a good mechanic and able to work on my own vehicles, so the Diesel Mechanics program seemed like a good fit,” Ethan said.
The first challenge was applying for scholarships. Ethan says not to forget this part! If you get help from Kawerak and other local scholarships, you can graduate from the training, have all your room and board paid for, and end ready for a job with no debt to pay off. Without the financial burden of loans to pay off Ethan was even able to get a new set of wheels, the four door pickup in the picture above.
The course itself had its challenges, but Ethan pushed himself to be a good example for his younger brothers and friends back in Shaktoolik. Homesickness made it hard to be away, but phone calls and text showing love and support from his family were what got him through. “They told me they believed in me, and that gave me the courage and confidence to not give up.” COVID also interrupted the 10 month program, where Ethan had to be sent home until the program could start back up in September. It was tough to be in such a changing situation, but the instructors and students worked together to complete the program.
For now, Ethan decided to stay in Anchorage and build his work experience. “There are so many jobs here. I have my pick and can look for a job I like with good pay and benefits.”
Ethan would like to thank his parents, Lydia Jackson and Shawn Evan and grandparents Betty and Lynn Jackson for their tireless support. To people considering a job in the trades, he is encouraging. “This program is nothing like classroom learning in high school. It’s really hands-on. You will succeed if you get your stuff done, work hard, and never give up.”
Photo, Ethan Evan with his new truck in front of the AVTEC building where he earned his Diesel Mechanics Certificate. Photo courtesy of Ethan Evan.
