Metallica Scholars Initiative

My name is Carter Smalley. I am 18 years old and currently studying Diesel Technology at the College of Southern Idaho. I chose this field because ever since I was a kid, I have had a passion for anything mechanical. I have always enjoyed taking things apart, figuring out how they work, and putting them back together.

Choosing diesel technology was not just a career decision for me. It was following a passion that challenges me to learn something new every day. Working with heavy-duty equipment gives me a sense of excitement and accomplishment that I have not found anywhere else. I am proud of how far my determination has taken me, and I am motivated by where it will lead me next.

Receiving the Metallica Scholarship through the All Within My Hands Foundation means more to me and my classmates than just financial support. It is a reminder that there are people who believe in us and support our goals. That encouragement pushes me to keep working hard and showing up with the same determination that got me here.

This scholarship has helped me purchase the tools I need to build my future. One day, I hope to own my own mobile repair business and diesel shop, keeping trucks on the road and helping keep America running through the work they do every day. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue working toward the future this scholarship is helping me achieve.

My name is Joshua Rodriguez. At 31 years old, I took a big step by enrolling in the Diesel Technology program at the College of Southern Idaho, something I never imagined myself doing without any prior college experience. CSI has been a great place to begin this journey and build a foundation in the field.
As a Hispanic student entering a new environment, I am proud of the courage it took to start this path. Every day I am learning new skills, gaining confidence, and pushing myself to grow through education and hard work. Balancing full-time school and full-time work means long weeks of nearly 70 hours, but the effort is worth it as I work toward a better future.

Receiving the Metallica Scholarship through the All Within My Hands Foundation has helped me tremendously by allowing me to purchase the tools and supplies I need to be prepared and successful in the diesel industry. That support has made a real difference in my ability to stay focused and move forward.

My motivation comes from my family, especially my mother and sisters. Being the first in my family to pursue a college education drives me to keep going. They have always believed in me, even when I doubted myself, and I want to show them that their support truly matters. I am doing this not only to build a strong career, but also to make them proud and serve as a role model for the younger generation in my family. This journey is more than an education. It is a promise to myself and to the people I love that I am capable of growth, perseverance, and achieving something greater than I once thought possible.

My name is Trevor Ware, and I am currently enrolled as a full-time student in the Diesel Technology program at the College of Southern Idaho. I came to CSI after more than two decades of work experience in the local agricultural and heavy civil construction industries. During that time, I had the opportunity to help build and support the infrastructure that keeps our community moving forward.

My work allowed me to contribute to projects that improved efficiency and reliability across the agricultural industry. I helped develop and implement technology that enables farmers to monitor irrigation efficiency, receive alerts for potential equipment malfunctions, and schedule routine maintenance through mobile devices. I have also designed and built custom equipment to support earthmoving projects and specialized machinery used for planting farm crops.

I chose to pursue continued education and advanced training at CSI because diesel engines are the backbone of agriculture and heavy civil construction. There is a growing need for well-trained service technicians who have the knowledge and skills to maintain modern diesel-powered equipment while also keeping aging, highly specialized fleets operational. I am excited to be part of the Diesel Technology program and eager to continue learning more about maintaining engines, trucks, and heavy equipment.

I am a Twin Falls native, and my wife, Monica, and I are raising four children. Receiving support through the Metallica Scholarship means a great deal to my family and me. It allows me to pursue additional certifications, grow professionally, and create greater opportunities for my children. I am deeply grateful for the impact this scholarship has on individuals across the nation.

After graduation, I plan to continue strengthening our local industries by applying and sharing this knowledge through high-quality service and expertise. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of our community and helping build a strong foundation for future generations.

My name is Faith Runser, and I am a student in the Diesel Technology program at the College of Southern Idaho. I am grateful to have received support through the Metallica Scholarship and for the investment you make in programs like ours.

Before entering this program, I had no prior experience working with diesel trucks. However, I have always enjoyed taking things apart, fixing them, and putting them back together. That curiosity and hands-on interest are what led me to diesel technology. I grew up listening to Metallica’s music through my dad, so learning that this program was receiving support from the band was both surprising and motivating. That support encourages me to continue doing what I love and helps me keep up with the costs of the program.

I come from a small town in Gooding, Idaho, where I have lived my entire life. My family owns a business that I could have stayed to help with, but it did not align with my skills or interests. Through this program, I am finding a new way to support my family. After completing the Diesel Technology program, I will be able to maintain and repair the machinery they rely on every day. I am truly grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship and appreciative of the opportunity it provides as I work toward my future in the diesel industry.