Dallas College

Student Experience: José Delgado

“I took some drafting classes in high school and liked them; then I found out about Richland’s program. My experience at Richland has been really good, and I’ve learned a lot. This program basically gives you a little bit of everything so that you can get a taste of what’s available in engineering. 

“I like to design and work with my hands, and I especially like to design parts in the machine shop. You can see the graphic design on the computer and know what it’s going to be like to have in your hands. 

“Right now, I want to work for a while and get experience, then go back to school and earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. What would I like to be doing in 10 years? I hope I’ll own my own business.” 

A graduate of South Garland High School, José Delgado earned an associate degree in Engineering Technology-Computer Aided Design at Richland in May 2011. He was the first Dallas College recipient of a new scholarship from the National Tool and Machine Association.


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Alonzo Adams

Alonzo L. Adams

Self-Employed Mechanic Adjunct Automotive Technology Faculty Cedar Valley
“I was eager to learn, and the Diesel program really excited me. The more I learned, the more I realize it’s not so hard. All of my instructors have been knowledgeable; any questions I had for them, they were pretty much able to answer everything. These are great courses if you want to work on diesel engines.”
Automotive, Automotive Technology, Automotive Technology - Diesel and Heavy Equipment
Rafael Merren

Rafael Merren

Owner/Operator Grump’s Rod Shop
“It’s great to have intelligent capabilities, but if you don’t have the skillsets to back them up, what’s the point of going out into the real world? If you have a practical skill, you can always put bread on the table.”
Auto Body Technology
Kathryn Jaeger

Kathryn Jaeger

Technician, Trophy Nissan of Mesquite
“People look at a car and open the hood and see all the hoses and connections, and maybe think, ‘I am never going to figure this out.' Then you learn the basic concepts, and it’s more simplistic than you would think.”
Automotive Technology
Doug Jochum

Doug Jochum

Art Teacher Skyline High School
“The students here are also attentive and helpful — I found out right away that there’s a group of them who have been here a while and who will chip in to help you do anything you don’t understand or help hold something you’re working on. I think that attitude is a reflection of the teaching here as well.”
Welding

José Delgado
Hopeful future mechanical engineer
Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)
School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Updated July 28, 2026