Sergio’s Story: From Opera to Automotive Technician
Resilient & Passionate
When Sergio moved to the United States from Colombia in 2021, his dream was to become an opera singer. He came to Kentucky to pursue a master’s degree in voice performance at the University of Kentucky, determined to follow his passion for music. But his journey was not without challenges. Separated from his young daughter in Colombia, Sergio faced anxiety and depression. At times, he coped with alcohol and long nights of exhausting work at Aramark and a campus restaurant, while still pushing himself to finish his studies.
Through perseverance, Sergio graduated with his master’s degree and earned Optional Practical Training status in 2024, which allowed him to work in music. He taught at the Cincinnati School of Music and sang with the Kentucky Opera, but he struggled to support himself and his wife. “I have my master’s, but I don’t have money,” he recalls. “I just needed an opportunity.”
Music had always been Sergio’s dream, but another passion had been with him since childhood—cars. Growing up, his father owned and repaired cars, often including young Sergio in the work. That love never left him. After buying his first car—a Dodge Dart he affectionately named Puchinnie—Sergio realized he wanted to learn more. One day, he asked his wife if she knew of anywhere he could take mechanic training. She mentioned CityLink in Cincinnati, and that was where Sergio’s journey with ChangingGears began.
Sergio applied, interviewed, and told the team why he wanted to be part of the Automotive Technician Training Program. “I can’t explain my love for cars,” he said. “It’s more than music, more than opera. Life is about family and being positive—and cars are part of that for me.”
The program gave Sergio not just technical skills, but also personal encouragement and community. He loved the mentorship from Eric from ChangingGears and Charlotte, Greg, and Pastor Strayhorn from the CityLink team describing the “human part” as his favorite aspect of the experience. Along the way, Sergio’s confidence grew. He developed both as a mechanic and as a person, learning how to apply his enthusiasm, discipline, and determination in new ways.
Today, Sergio graduates from the ChangingGears Automotive Technician Training Program. And next week, he will begin his career with GMC. During the interview process, the team at GMC was quick to recognize Sergio’s passion, enthusiasm, and training. They are genuinely excited to welcome him on board, confident he will bring the same authenticity and energy that defined his journey through the program.
For Sergio, this new chapter is about more than cars—it’s about hope, opportunity, and giving back. His advice to others considering the program is simple but powerful: “Time will give you what you need. Take the bull by the horns. Don’t stop. DREAM. Maybe one door is closed, but another is open. Keep knocking.”
