By: Alyssa Cantu
Auto, Metal, and Wood shop class all contribute to provide insight into how things really work. These classes truly teach young adults useful tips and skills they could later use for a job or just to know for themselves to do. All of these classes are hands on learning where students actually use tools and machines to accomplish their tasks.
Auto focuses on the aspects of cars. Mr. Cox, teacher of all auto classes, has been teaching the subject to many different students for years at Redwood High School. One of his students in advanced auto named Noah Zermeno,‘19, has been taking the course for the last years of his high school career. Though the class hasn’t done much so far in the year they partnered up with Redwood’s drama department. Zermeno,’19, has been working on an “oil changes and tire rotations” and hopes this year “to learn more than I did last year because all I knew last year were the basics.” As Zermeno,‘19, continues with auto he has been “working on a GMC and my own truck” and “enjoys learning about cars because it will be important in his future.”
Another auto student is Sabrina Hernandez,’20, who has also been in Cox class for the last few years. She touched what they have gone started this year. Hernandez,‘20, said “So far we have gotten started in groppetti. We go every Wednesday to help out a car dealerships.” She has high hopes for this year in auto. Hernandez,’20, and her group currently working “converting an ambulance that runs on propane into gasoline.” Hernandez,’20, overall enjoys the class and the people in it.
Metal shop focuses on fundamentals of welding and metalworking taught by Mr. Rooney . Nick Morales,’19, has experience with the class and competitions. He said, “We have just been doing welding but in February we are going to Skillsusa and if we do good there we will be able to go to state in Ontario in April.” All the students going to participate in the competitions have started foucing and practicing for them to get the best results. Morales,’19, also includes his feelings toward the class, “I enjoyed meeting new people in my class because I want to show the freshmen what I know so when I leave they know how to do things.” He hopes to carry out the traditions and incite his has in Metal shop to the future classes joining Redwood.
Likewise Brain Brown,’20, is apart of Redwood’s Metal shop as well. He said, “This year we have learned how to do the task of oxyacetylene welding and all the proper position for it.” Oxyacetylene welding, also known as oxy-fuel welding is a process that uses oxygen and fuel gases to weld and cut steel or metallic components which students are all taught. Brown,’20, says, “My goal is to learn all the skills of welding.” Welding takes a lot of time, effort, and practice to master the artistry. Also he said, “I just finished a glass carrier for wood shop.” Brown,’20, and his fellow students have all worked to complete projects.
Mr. Eastman teaches Wood shop where they learn cut wood and change it into whatever they desire. An incoming freshman Alex Flores,’22, says, “We have been doing drawings and sketching” as well as “I’m currently working on my fourth drawing which is a sketch of a messenger box and after that I get to do woodworking.” Though Flores,’22, has just gotten started with Wood shop him and his classmates can’t wait for what the school year brings their way.
Joanna Sandoval,’22, also shares the ideals as other Redwood Wood shop students. She said, “We have learned a lot about hand tools and now we are starting on our first project and learning to cut with saws.” She explained the tedious process of learning all the knowledge for Wood shop and the hard that goes into it. Sandoval,’22, also said,”My goal for this year is to actually learn how to do the projects and to get better.” As well as saying ”The class is really fun and the teacher make funny jokes.” With the teacher witty attitude it keep the student engaged in their work to have the passion to continue trying hard.
All these classes can show ones’ hidden skill they have and to help them out in the future. If you are interested to find out more about the class what they do throughout the school year talk to Mr. Cox, Mr. Eastman and Mr. Rooney.
Alyssa Cantu
Tags: auto, cox, metal, redwood high school, redwood rangers, rooney, visalia ca, wood
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