Robbie Root ’22 is a Trinity student taking a different path for his future with the help of Faulkner Subaru of Mechanicsburg. Three days a week, Robbie leaves Trinity early to participate in a program with Faulkner to learn the skills required to become a Master Automotive Technician.

A couple of years ago, Robbie planned to follow in his family’s footsteps and work in education, specifically music education. He has a deep love of music, and at Trinity he plays in nearly every musical group: concert band, concert choir, jazz band, indoor percussion, marching band, and pit for the musical. However, when he was home at the start of the pandemic, Robbie’s mom noticed that he didn’t reach for his instruments as much, and instead spent a lot of time watching automotive tutorials on YouTube.

This realization—that perhaps he had a different calling—led Robbie to investigate a career in the automotive industry, and he found a lot to like. For one, taking a non-traditional path would save him from building up debt, and working with Faulkner Subaru meant that he would be paid as he learned. Plus, Robbie found, that in a way, working on cars is helping people, through maybe not in a way that comes immediately to mind. The work has the added benefit of being able to see immediate results: his work improved things and made them able to run better than before.

These confirmations—that Robbie liked the work and found purpose in it—was made possible through the hands on experience he gained at Faulkner, all while maintaining his full course-load at Trinity. The experience was made possible for Robbie, in part, by the partnership between Faulkner Subaru of Mechanicsburg and Trinity. “Faulkner Subaru of Mechanicsburg has been instrumental in providing our student-athletes with opportunities through financial support, and has also stepped forward to help our students break into vocational work,” said Trinity principal, John Cominsky.

His work at Trinity, especially the practice of following steps logically and methodically learned in his science courses, has helped him in the automotive trade. “I feel that I’ve been coached in how to think, not just told what to do, and that has helped tremendously as I’ve worked at Faulkner,” Robbie said.

As for his experience at Faulkner Subaru, Robbie describes the experience as “great, with lots to learn from every single guy there and with a fun atmosphere. Without fun,” Robbie says, “ it’s hard to do a job well.” The positive atmosphere has made it “easy to ask for help when needed.” In just a few months, Robbie’s already been able to take responsibility for jobs and is looking forward to acquiring more skills.

Thanks to Faulkner Subaru of Mechanicsburg for their work in enriching our community and providing opportunities for our young people.