convenience.
Instead of sending a huge, server-crashing email with many attachments, I decided to create a simple blog with my writing samples as posts. They are more or less in chronological order. All interviews conducted by Megan Biss.Thursday, August 10, 2006
Reportage
The Spectator, September 2003
Students at Chabot College with car trouble may not have to look any further than right here on campus. The automotive department offers various types of engine repair free of charge. The work is performed by students and overseen by instructors.
Bob Johnson, one of the instructors involved, says that this is not an attempt to take business away from local shops, but rather a chance for the students to work on real cars with real problems. Usually, they’re working on donor cars that don’t have any actual problems. Instructors must “plant bugs” in the cars for students to fix. Your failing breaks are a problem for you but a welcome change for the students.
Although the labor performed by students is free, those participating must be able to pay for their own parts. The instructor in charge will provide a list of exactly what needs to be purchased, and they can usually tell you where to find the best prices.
Individual problems will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The students will fix brake, minor engine, differential and manual transmission problems. They can also run diagnostic tests. At this time, they do not have the space or tools to do major engine repairs or fix automatic transmissions. Higher-end vehicles are usually not accepted for repair.
If a cash-strapped student has a car issue that meets the above guidelines, they must first contact Bob Johnson or Steve Small. Tell them the problem, and be as specific as possible. If the problem is something that can be worked on at Chabot, the student will be given a list of parts that are needed for the job. When the parts are acquired, a time can be set up for the students to perform the work.
The program is an effective way to keep students mobile while giving the students in the automotive department a first-hand glimpse at what it means to get the job done.
Students at Chabot College with car trouble may not have to look any further than right here on campus. The automotive department offers various types of engine repair free of charge. The work is performed by students and overseen by instructors.
Bob Johnson, one of the instructors involved, says that this is not an attempt to take business away from local shops, but rather a chance for the students to work on real cars with real problems. Usually, they’re working on donor cars that don’t have any actual problems. Instructors must “plant bugs” in the cars for students to fix. Your failing breaks are a problem for you but a welcome change for the students.
Although the labor performed by students is free, those participating must be able to pay for their own parts. The instructor in charge will provide a list of exactly what needs to be purchased, and they can usually tell you where to find the best prices.
Individual problems will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The students will fix brake, minor engine, differential and manual transmission problems. They can also run diagnostic tests. At this time, they do not have the space or tools to do major engine repairs or fix automatic transmissions. Higher-end vehicles are usually not accepted for repair.
If a cash-strapped student has a car issue that meets the above guidelines, they must first contact Bob Johnson or Steve Small. Tell them the problem, and be as specific as possible. If the problem is something that can be worked on at Chabot, the student will be given a list of parts that are needed for the job. When the parts are acquired, a time can be set up for the students to perform the work.
The program is an effective way to keep students mobile while giving the students in the automotive department a first-hand glimpse at what it means to get the job done.
posted by tall sean tawn # 10:17 PM 
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