GREENSBORO, N.C.— Guilford Technical Community College has a new class of diesel mechanics. Each graduate leaves the program certified in automotive service excellence and ready to transition into the workforce.

Among the graduates is 38-year-old David Bryant who overcame more challenges over the past four semesters than his peers.

What You Need To Know

  • 38 year-old David Bryant, who is deaf, recently completed GTCC's diesel mechanic program

  • Bryant usually has two interpreters by his side during his time in the classroom

  • Each graduate leaves the program certified in automotive service excellence 

Bryant was born deaf, as well as his brother and sister, but his parents are hearing. He started his education at a deaf school, but finished his high school career at Page High School in Greensboro. 

“High school didn’t teach me about the real world,” said Bryant. “It was probably 15 years later that finally I did go to college. I knew what I wanted my life to be, I was tired of the same old things.”

That’s when he started the diesel mechanic program. He had two interpreters by his side during most of his time in the classroom, and taught some of his peers simple sign language that helped to make the classroom a safer place. 

“I started this program with a hard shell,” Bryant said. “But I’ve become a little more open, I have more positive thought, and now I’m helping and teaching other people and students.”

Bryant hopes to be an inspiration for others who are questioning whether they could overcome their own personal challenges, and follow a dream.

“You just have to change your mindset,” said Bryant. “You have to change the way that you think, you have to feel it with your heart, and be grateful for the future.”

GTCC offers two programs in diesel and heavy equipment technology at its center for advanced manufacturing. You can find more information about the programs here.