Successful Business owner Ernie De Loera of Collision Service Center of Schaumburg, returns to his Automotive Class at Hoffman Estates High School to give Back
Students of Hoffman Estates High School (HEHS) Auto Shop class listened intently as a former student and current Owner of Collision Service Center of Schaumburg, Ernie De Loera, gave a very candid and inspirational presentation about how he turned his life around after enrolling in the Automotive class. Ernie shared his personal challenges and obstacles that many teenagers can relate to in todays life. Not only had he discovered a skill he did not know he had, but he also made a decision to change his attitude. After finding an environment that fostered his natural talents he developed hope and direction. He emphasized to the students that they too had choices in spite of their challenges, past mistakes or misfortunes. Ernie wanted the students to realize they can create their own path in life, they could choose the life they wanted to live. He spoke to them about how important it is to try new things and discover what their talent is and what they are passionate about. Ernie found his talent through the school's Automotive class, which was just a stepping stone. After a successful career in the Auto Body Collision business, he and his wife, Aurora, decided to take a risk and buy a shop of their own; Collision Service Center of Schaumburg.
Knowing how much the HEHS class impacted his life, he felt it important to return to his roots with a sincere desire to give back to those that mentored him. Collision Service Center has joined efforts with HEHS Applied Technology Department Chair, Dave Ligman, to help students discover they have choices in spite of their current circumstances, doubts, or past mistakes. Each student in the Advance Automotive class was offered an opportunity to submit an essay on three thought-provoking questions: "What motivates you? What adversity are you trying to overcome? What is your goal?""
On November 11th, 2019, Ernie generously donated $1,500.00 to the top essay. "It feels good to give back to where it all started for me and to inspire students on their path to a successful future," Ernie stated. The whole experience of returning to HEHS and working with Dave and his students has been very rewarding. Ernie and everyone at Collision Service Center are grateful for this opportunity to support Hoffman Estates High School and look forward to a continued relationship.