dayinlife

A typical day for 30-year-old Julio Lopez revolves around college, work, and family.

Upon graduation from Pasadena High School, he went into the Marine Corps and served as an avionics technician. Lopez returned home and attended San Jacinto College as an automotive technology student. “I was very impressed with the automotive program and that is what persuaded me to later on enroll in the College’s diesel technology program at the North Campus,” he commented.

Lopez switched from automotive technology, which deals with gasoline-powered vehicles, to diesel technology because he went to work as a fleet diesel technician for Silver Eagle Distributors, a company that uses mostly diesel-powered vehicles.

Lopez plans to earn a diesel technology associate degree from San Jacinto College, and then transfer to a local university. His ultimate career goal is to become a fleet mechanic supervisor for Silver Eagle Distributors, and operate his own repair shop.

When he is not at school or at work, Lopez enjoys family time with his wife Claudia, a nursing student at San Jacinto College; his son Giovanni (5); and his daughters Mikaela (3) and Naomi (10 months).

A typical weekday for Lopez starts early and ends late. He gets up at 5:30 a.m. and has a quick breakfast, and then helps to get the kids off to school along with his wife. Then, it’s off to San Jacinto College North to get classroom and hands-on training in the College’s diesel technology program. He is currently taking diesel technology courses Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day.

Then he grabs a quick lunch before heading over to his job at Silver Eagle, where he works full-time, Monday through Friday. He generally does not get home from work until 10 p.m., and sometimes even later. “When I get home, about all I have time for is a quick shower and then it’s time for bed,” he said. “And goodnight hugs and kisses if my children are still awake.”

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, diesel technicians can expect to earn an average annual salary of $38,586. San Jacinto College offers an associate degree and certificate of technology in diesel technology.

A Day in the Life ofJulio Lopez

5:30 a.m. – wake up and grab a quick breakfast

6 a.m. – help get kids ready for school

6:45 a.m. – leave home in Pasadena for
San Jacinto College North

7:30 a.m. – diesel technology class

8:30 a.m. – diesel technology class

9:30 a.m. – diesel technology class

10:30 a.m. – diesel technology class

Noon – leave campus and grab a quick lunch

1 p.m. – arrive at work at Silver Eagle Distributors

9:45 p.m. – leave work and head home

10: 20 – arrive home, visit with family

10:45 – go to bed

Rob Vanya