Major: Automotive Service Technology
As a child, Sydney Terpstra worked in the garage with her dad, and her passion for cars grew as she became older.
In high school, Terpstra attended the Auto-Body and Refinishing program at the Technology Center of DuPage and loved it.
“I also became involved in circle dirt track racing at a local racetrack in Sycamore, which led me down many different avenues that I never in a million years could have imagined. I found that I absolutely love bringing joy to those around me through my racing while being able to do something that is a passion for me.”
She enrolled in the Automotive Service Technology program at College of DuPage, where she was named a Presidential Scholar, a full-scholarship award to high-achieving students. She wanted to become more confident in her skills and learn new ones so she could use them in real-world applications.
Terpstra even shares her skills with students at Pleasant Hill Elementary School, where she teaches Racing 101 for their annual Explore-More event. As a former student, she was approached by the then-principal who asked her to participate.
“I always remembered having such an amazing time at Explore-More Day, which allows for people in the community to educate the children on different professions and let them explore a vast variety of interests,” she said. “Not only is getting to hear from a race car driver cool and exciting, but it’s also encouraging to the girls who may be interested in pursuing a career in a male-dominated field. I work hard every year to make sure the kids have a great time. I even talk to the owner of the racetrack where I race to get all the kids free tickets to come watch me.”
COD has phenomenal automotive instructors who leave their students with as much knowledge and experience as they can.
Sydney Terpstra
In earning her Associate in Applied Science degree, Terpstra was named one of the College’s outstanding graduates. She is transferring to Southern Illinois University to earn a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology and would like to get into the fabrication or automotive design side of the industry. She also wants to inspire others to pursue their passions.
“Through my experience with phenomenal teachers during my high school years at the Technology Center of DuPage, my college years at COD and work experiences, I have found how important the teacher or educator is, because they can make or break the dreams and passions of their students or apprentices,” she said. “My goal is to make people see me for my work and my success rather than being a woman in a male-dominated industry. I am so much more than that: I am a skilled technician in a very competitive automotive industry.”
Terpstra is glad that COD offers a strong automotive program that provides real-world experiences gained in hands-on labs.
“COD has phenomenal automotive instructors who leave their students with as much knowledge and experience as they can, taking the time to listen and respond to any questions, providing them with advice and going out of their way to make sure that they have all the possible resources for success,” she said. “I gained more confidence than I ever thought was possible and I learned so many new things and am absolutely amazed at the difference in my skill set from when I first began at COD.”
Learn more about the Automotive Service Technology program at College of DuPage