ENID, OKLA. ⎯ When Enid High School junior Wentur Haley filled out an application to attend Autry Technology Center, her first program choice was Cosmetology. When the Cosmetology program was full, she was placed in her second choice – Automotive Technology, which turned out to be the best choice.
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“I didn’t really choose the program,” said Haley. “This was my second option, but it has definitely worked out for me. It was better choice in the long run.”
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Haley, who is also active in soccer, cheerleading, honor band and track, is part of the National Honor Society and in the top percentage of her class. She is also not shy about being one of few females in a program with a typically male-dominated enrollment.
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“Being a female in the automotive industry is not something to be looked down upon,” Haley said. “The job needs to get done and if females are going to do it, then why not?”
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Automotive Technology instructor James Chastain praises Haley for embracing her role as a female in the classroom and pursuing her dreams of becoming a heavy tracked vehicle mechanic in the Army.
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“Wentur has never let gender get in the way of her goals and she is definitely not afraid of getting her hands dirty and greasy,” said Chastain. “She will go the extra mile to learn the curriculum and the male students look up to her for guidance.”
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Haley’s pursuit of her career growth based on her interests without the influence of gender stereotypes is why she has been nominated for the Breaking Traditions Award. This award is a way for the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to spotlight students and staff who have chosen specific career and technology programs because of their interests and abilities. These individuals have not let their gender influence their decisions to prepare for nontraditional careers.
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Haley is on track to graduate high school in 2020 while simultaneously completing her Automotive Technology program. In the meantime, she is always happy to recruit for her program at Autry.
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“When you first walk in, it might stink and look a little gross,” Haley said. “But it’s really fun in the long run! I love learning all of the new tools and how to use them.”
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Autry Technology Center has been a part of the Enid community since 1967 and is one of 29 CareerTech schools across Oklahoma. The center has more than 25 career programs and offers a wide variety of evening and weekend short-term courses and certifications for many diverse career fields. Autry serves nearly 16,000 individuals each year, including many area employees who receive training through the Business and Industry Services Department that works with over 500 local businesses each year.
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Autry Student Finds Her Passion in an Unlikely Place
