With encouraging words from autotech teacher Gary Miller in the back of his head, junior Tristen Kellar walked into his Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) interview without knowing he would end up taking fifth place.

On Feb. 27, Kellar tied for fifth overall in the AYES Student Internship Interview, which gives Kellar the potential to gain employment in the practicum class for the school year of 2015-2016, as well as the possibility for the full-time employment after he graduates. To prepare for the interview he had to fill out an application, a resume and have three letters of recommendation; on the day of the interview he interviewed with four different companies.

“I just kept reminding myself of what Mr. Miller said right before I walked the through the door; he told me to relax and be myself, and I’ll be OK,” he said.

When he placed fifth he felt relieved and said the opportunity to apply to a dealership and apprentice through a part time job was because of rare opportunity through AYES. He will apply April 6 and start working full time during the summer.

“I am basically being paid to learn what I love,” he said.