HawkStrong: Two scholarships support Alyssa Oudeh’s dream of becoming an auto mechanic

Freshman Alyssa Oudeh is studying auto mechanics this fall at HFC, attending on two scholarships.

The first scholarship is the Bies Family Automotive SkillPointe Scholarship. The second is the Automotive Credit Corporation Scholarship.

“One of the counselors at my school showed me the SkillPointe Scholarship and I applied," said Oudeh. The scholarships are making a real difference in her ability to pursue her dream of becoming a mechanic.

In the long run, Oudeh wants to join the Ford ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training) program at HFC, and will plan to enroll in the next cohort of that program. That program prepares graduates for master technician careers with Ford and Lincoln dealerships.

"I’ve always been interested in rebuilding things"

Born in Royal Oak, Oudeh – the eldest of two daughters – was raised in Livonia. She is a recent graduate of Franklin High School in Livonia. She spoke about her interest in cars.

“My dad worked in upholstery and had a shop in our garage. He worked on cars a lot. I remembered helping him ever since I was a little girl, so I’ve always been around cars. I’ve always been interested in rebuilding things, and I’ve always been interested in auto mechanics,” she recalled.

Hands-on work in automotive

Oudeh also spoke about what attracted her to HFC.

“I was talking to one of the counselors at my high school. I told her I was interested in mechanics and the hands-on aspects of it,” said Oudeh. “She told me HFC had a good program. It seemed very intriguing and seemed like an affordable option.”

Oudeh is looking forward to her classes. She confessed she is a little apprehensive, but also happy to be here.

“I’m excited for classes to begin. I’m a little nervous too,” she said. “I’m glad that I’ve been given this opportunity to pursue this career in mechanics. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a really long time.”