Destiny Hanzel Motors Into a Career

Valley City resident leaves Tri-C’s Automotive Technology Program with a degree and a job

Destiny Hanzel heard all the reasons why she couldn’t be an automotive technician. She isn’t big enough or strong enough to work on large vehicles. She’ll feel out of place working in a field occupied nearly entirely by men.

She’s heard every word of it, and she doesn’t care. In fact, it makes her want to follow her dream all the more.

“A lot of people told me I couldn’t,” she said. “They said ‘You’re a girl, how are you going to lift a big truck tire?’ I didn’t take it personally, but I viewed it as a challenge. I want to show people I can do it.”

Hanzel will graduate from Tri-C in May with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology. She leaves as a General Motors-certified automotive technician after completing GM’s Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) at the College.

A job at the Medina Auto Mall awaits Hanzel after commencement. She interned at the dealership as part of the Tri-C program.

“Every program in college should be like this one,” Hanzel said. “Everyone in here has a path to a job. It’s laid out for you.”

The 20-year-old Valley City resident has been around cars since childhood. Her father, Bernie Hanzel, owns and operates an auto body shop in Medina County. Hanzel credits him as her primary source of inspiration.

But even so, Hanzel didn’t follow her dad’s path exactly. Instead of auto body repair, she focused under the hood on the technologically advanced, computer-driven engines that power today’s vehicles.

She spent her final two years of high school in the auto tech program at the Medina County Career Center. She enrolled at Tri-C after receiving her diploma from Buckeye High School.

Hanzel said the academic advising and support she received through the College’s Degree in Three program helped keep her motoring toward graduation. Scholarships through the College and other sources will allow her to graduate debt-free.

“I had an idea what Tri-C could do for my life, but it did so much more than I ever expected,” Hanzel said. “This is the place to come if you have a goal and dream. The people here will help you succeed.”

Cuyahoga Community College will celebrate the academic achievements of more than 3,000 graduates on May 17 at Spring Commencement. Check our News and Events page throughout the month as we highlight members of the Class of 2018.

May 01, 2018

John Horton, 216-987-4281 or john.horton@tri-c.edu