SELMA — Senior Kyle McDaniel knows he wants to work in diesel mechanics when he graduates from Dallas County High School in May. What he doesn’t know is where he should go for trade school.

“I’m just unsure of the college right now,” McDaniel said.

He and the students from the welding, automotive collision repair and automotive service technician classes at Dallas County Career Tech listened to Chris Roberts, Alabama admission representative for Wyotech, a trade school located in Pennsylvania, Florida, Wyoming and California.

Although Roberts answered questions about the school, he also encouraged students to think seriously about their futures.

“It’s very important for you guys to start thinking about what do I want to do every day for a career,” Roberts said. “I want you to find something you are passionate about and go for it.”

After Roberts finished his presentation, McDaniel talked to him about enrollment and the details of the diesel mechanic program.

“It makes me want to go into [diesel mechanics] a little more than I did before,” McDaniel said. “I’m ready to just get out there. I hope to see some more colleges come on in and get more ideas of where to go.”

Inviting speakers such as Roberts to visit the Dallas County Career Tech students is important to provide students with information so they can decide how to mold their futures.

“We want to encourage them to go a step further,” said Jerolene Williams, Career Tech director. “They can be anything they want to be if they just apply themselves. Don’t stop here. Don’t let this be the end. Let this be the beginning of what life can be for them. We want them to have good careers, not just jobs.”

Dallas County High School junior Andrew Thrash enjoyed the presentation by Roberts, but is not sure what he wants to do with his future. He is torn between being a diesel mechanic or a nurse.

“I’m still not really sure what I want to do,” Thrash said. “Today did help fill in some of the blanks.”