Shifting Gears

“I’ve told everybody in my life from the rooftops that CareerTech, especially Francis Tuttle, is amazing. You are able to achieve so many things that you would never think possible for yourself.”

Growing up, Gabby Pecina loved working on cars with her father and grandfather. It wasn’t until she attended Francis Tuttle Technology Center that she discovered that hobby could be her career. 

Pecina, who graduated from Edmond Santa Fe High School in May, originally started in the Biosciences and Medicine Academy because she wanted to be a doctor for most of her life. However, once she joined the program, she realized it wasn’t the right fit for her. 

She then decided to explore the Automotive Service Technology Program at the Danforth Campus. There, it all “clicked into place” as Pecina found her passion.

A big part of this realization was her instructor, Kody VanOsdol, or “Mr. V” as his students call him. Pecina added that along with the industry-specific knowledge VanOsdol shares with students, he also passes along his drive and encourages them to be lifelong learners. 

“Mr. V really pushes you outside of your comfort zone and lets you see your potential that you are sometimes not as privy to,” Pecina shared. “It’s nice to have that kind of support, and anywhere I’ve been in Francis Tuttle, that’s what I’ve received, not just from the instructors but also the support staff. The amenities and the opportunities have been so beneficial for me.” 

That support has also helped her gain confidence as a woman in a male-dominated field. Pecina admitted that she still sometimes has doubts about herself, but her time at Francis Tuttle and the instruction she received negates that fear as she feels prepared and ready for her career. 

Through the ambassador program, Pecina shared her experiences with prospective students at her high school and local middle schools. She would often provide additional encouragement to other young women interested in the industry. 

“I told them it seems so scary, but I get it and experienced the same thing,” Pecina stated. “But as soon as you break into it and find that passion, nothing else matters. It all just falls to the wayside.” 

In April, Pecina placed first in mobile electronics installation at the 2025 SkillsUSA Oklahoma State Leadership and Skills Conference and will compete at the national conference, scheduled for June 23-27. 

After nationals, Pecina will start her new job as a technician at Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma City, a dealership she has had her eyes on for a while. One of her long-term goals is to become a master technician.

Pecina said Francis Tuttle prepared her for this next step through industry-backed technical training. She earned several entry-level Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications, indicating her workforce readiness. 

“That tells any future employers that I know what I’m doing in all basic aspects of repair,” Pecina explained. “It has been so amazing to be able to not only gain that knowledge but be able to have it on a sheet of paper and say, ‘I know this. I’ve practiced this, and this is something that I’m confident in.’” 

For Pecina, her time at Francis Tuttle has “gotten me so thrilled to get out and work.” She emphasized how impactful the technology center has been for her. 

“I’ve told everybody in my life from the rooftops that CareerTech, especially Francis Tuttle, is amazing,” Pecina shared. “You are able to achieve so many things that you would never think possible for yourself.”