At this stage of my life, I feel as if I have had three significant careers.
My first career was as a refeer refrigeration mechanic. I began my apprenticeship in this field at the early age of 9 or maybe even earlier, but for this story, we will stick to 9.
I was taught the fundamentals of what it means to work. Next, I was tasked with learning what it means to be a mechanic. I did this by taking apart small compressors and the putting it back together, the real work.
As a mechanic, you learn that everything can be deconstructed with the appropriate tool. I knew that you could not use a hammer on something that is not working because you can not find the right tool. As a mechanic, I learned patience and persistence.
When I first began, I did not know what every part of the engine was. I did not know what a compressor was or that the running engine’s oil is extremely hot.
Patience is key because diagnosing the issue may take longer than you would like. There were plenty of times that we would assume that the problem was one thing and then later discover that we were trying to fix the wrong issue.
Now looking back on my experience, my first job was studying under a doctor.
My dad is a doctor for refer units. He can diagnose and repair almost anything.
My dad may not have an academic doctoral degree, but he is undoubtedly a doctor in my eyes.
To be continued.
Credit: James D. Washington