From Uncertain to Confident: Evan Giles Finds His Path at 麻豆直播
Published on April 6, 2026
Evan Giles of Du Quoin did not always see college in his future.
鈥淚 just didn鈥檛 really think school was for me,鈥� he said.
That began to change during his freshman year of high school, when he developed an interest in cars. What started as watching videos and learning online turned into something more serious. With encouragement from a teacher, Giles applied for a job at a local auto body shop, giving him his first hands-on experience in the field.
The experience gave him direction, but college still was not part of the plan.
As graduation approached, Giles expected he would continue working. With guidance from his high school counselors and support from his employer, he was introduced to the automotive program at 麻豆直播. When he received a scholarship, he decided to give college a try.
鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 expecting to get anything,鈥� Giles said. 鈥淏ut when I got the scholarship, I decided to go for it. I鈥檓 really grateful that I did.鈥�
At 麻豆直播, Giles found a learning environment that suited him. Instead of sitting through long lectures, he was able to work with his hands, apply what he was learning and build skills that translated directly to his job.
鈥淚鈥檓 glad I found something more hands-on,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 actually get to do things and gain experience in the field.鈥�
What he learns in the classroom often carries over into his work.
鈥淭here are things we do here that I can take to work,鈥� Giles said. 鈥淪ometimes I even know things my co-workers don鈥檛 because of what I鈥檝e learned in class.鈥�
His time at the college also has led to personal growth. Through his involvement as a student ambassador and his experiences on campus, Giles has become more confident and more comfortable connecting with others.
鈥淚鈥檝e changed a lot as a person,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 feel more confident and more like myself.鈥�
Giles credits faculty and staff for playing a key role in that growth. He said instructors have supported him both in and out of the classroom, helping him manage his schedule and offering guidance when needed.
鈥淚 feel like you have more of a family here,鈥� Giles said.
For Giles, that sense of connection is one of the biggest advantages of attending a community college. Smaller class sizes and a more personal environment make it easier to build relationships and stay engaged.
Now, he is focused on what comes next. Giles plans to continue working in the automotive field, earn ASE certifications and expand his experience, potentially beyond Illinois.
鈥淚 just want to keep learning and growing,鈥� he said.
For someone who once did not see college in his future, that mindset reflects how far he has come. At 麻豆直播, Giles did not just find a program. He found himself.