GLCA Student Spotlight: Octavio Shares His Experience at DeFOUW Chevrolet

Hello, my name is Octavio, and I’m a student at Harrison High School. I’m also part of the Greater Lafayette Career Academy (GLCA) in the Automotive Capstone Program, which has been one of the highlights of my high school experience.

Balancing School, Soccer, and the Automotive Industry

My day starts with two classes at Harrison, then I head to GLCA or DeFOUW Chevrolet (depending on the day), return for my last two classes, and finish with soccer practice. It’s a busy schedule, but it’s taught me time management, organization, and discipline. Soccer keeps me focused, and both school and GLCA reinforce responsibility and teamwork.

Life at Harrison High School

Harrison is a big school with a lot of spirit and a strong sense of community. There’s always something happening—sports, clubs, or school events—and everyone is friendly and supportive. Being on the soccer team pushes me to work hard and stay disciplined, and the teachers and staff are great about helping GLCA students balance everything.

What the GLCA Program Offers

The Greater Lafayette Career Academy connects students to hands-on, real-world learning before graduation. Choosing the Automotive Capstone was easy for me—I’ve always loved cars and how they work. Learning goes beyond textbooks; we spend time in the shop working on real vehicles and learning to diagnose and repair issues.

• Engine fundamentals and repair
• Oil and filter service
• Brake inspection and repair
• General maintenance and safety

We use professional-grade equipment and learn from instructors with real industry experience. It’s rewarding to fix something and understand how it works.

Hands-On Experience at DeFOUW Chevrolet

Three days a week during the school year, I’m at DeFOUW Chevrolet from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shadowing multiple departments shows me how a dealership operates behind the scenes. I’ve explored roles such as porter, sales, parts specialist, and most recently, marketing. I’m especially excited to spend time with the Collision Center team this year after a previous visit sparked my interest in rebuilding and refinishing vehicles.

What I’ve Learned and Where I’m Headed

This program has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Some technical details were confusing at first, but with practice and support from my instructors, I’ve become much more confident. From problem-solving to teamwork, the lessons I’ve gained at GLCA and DeFOUW are preparing me for whatever comes next.

Overall, being part of the GLCA Automotive Capstone Program and gaining hands-on experience at DeFOUW Chevrolet has been an amazing opportunity. If you ever get the chance to join a program like this, I highly recommend it—it’s 100% worth it.

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