Major: Automotive Service Technology
Cayla Fuechsl’s passion for cars started with her father.
“I’ve always been a ‘daddy’s girl’ and if it weren’t for my dad getting me into the garage, I don’t know where I would be,” she said. “I remember working on our 2000 Ford Expedition in the driveway, doing brakes and suspension repairs. My father got me interested in autobody work as well. We would work on our Buick Century, Ford Expedition and Mercury Mountaineer. I held the flashlight for him and now he holds the flashlight for me.
“I enjoy working on my family’s and my own vehicles. Knowing that I can fix the vehicle the right way and save them money is quite special.”
Fuechsl came to College of DuPage just like her parents and sister did. She knew the Automotive Service Technology program produced high quality technicians and wanted to learn from the best.
After graduating with her Associate in Applied Science degree, Fuechsl embarked on a career that fully engaged her.
“COD opened many doors for me,” she said. “I worked at a used car dealer on all makes and models, learning a lot from basic maintenance to extensive repairs. I then moved on to a modification shop working on police vehicles installing LED lights and the computer that controlled the siren. Plus I continued to work on my own vehicles.”
After emailing one of her automotive professors at COD, she was encouraged to come back as an employee. Fuechsl worked in the Welding program as a lab aid and then was urged to teach a class.
The professors at COD definitely guided me down paths I never dreamed of, which I am grateful for.
Cayla Fuechsl
“I never had the slightest thought I would be a teacher one day. When I graduated, I thought that was it—no more school for me,” she said. “I am now a full-time automotive instructor at TCD (Technology Center of DuPage) and part-time instructor at COD. The professors at COD definitely guided me down paths I never dreamed of, which I am grateful for.”
Fuechsl has since returned to school and completed a bachelor’s degree in business. She hopes to continue pursuing teaching.
“One day I want to be the type of instructor like those who taught me—confident and knowledgeable. They made a huge impact on my automotive career by not only supporting and guiding me in the right direction but also being great mentors. I could never thank the people enough who supported and helped me along this journey.”
For students interested in an automotive career, Fuechsl highly recommends COD.
“At TCD, students ask me where they should go to college and I say COD without hesitation. The environment is very welcoming and the people are very knowledgeable,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed COD. Whether as a student, staff member and instructor, I found the college to be like no other. Everyone is willing to help and the automotive department is outstanding.”
Learn more about the Automotive Service Technology program at College of DuPage