Ever since childhood, I have been drawn to all things mechanical, especially cars, trains, and planes. I enjoy analyzing how each part works synergistically with the others. Recently, I undertook the challenge of resurrecting an ailing American muscle car to safe driving condition. I have discovered a talent for identifying cars with investment potential that I can restore.
I have learned to recognize a car’s desirable qualities, such as the condition of the body and engine, and the presence of special features like rare hard tops. This skill has helped me spot valuable classics, including a 1992 Chevrolet Camaro, acquired on eBay for $1200 (using all of my investment capital). While many people considered it a lemon, I recognized it immediately as a diamond in the rough. For the next few weeks, I replaced important components, such as the carburetor, radiator, AC condenser, and transmission parts. After the cost of parts and fixing minor aesthetic fixes, I sold the car for a $500 profit.
Spurred by this success, I convinced my parents to invest in my next undertaking: importing an iconic Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 from Japan. This car model won all 29 races it entered at the Japanese Touring Car Championships and so decimated the competition in Australian racing, that they nicknamed it “Godzilla.” The Australians ultimately changed their racing rules to ban it from racing! It is rare because it was never intended for the U.S. market and was never sold here. Byzantine federal laws govern what can be legally imported into this country. However, through my careful research, I discovered that the government exempts vehicles that are at least 25 years old from such regulations. With this loophole in mind, I found a 1990 R32 with low mileage and successfully negotiated a discount from the Japanese exporter. I called on a friend from Japan to help check the legitimacy of the company, since it would be impossible to recoup funds after the wire transfer. Then I contracted a custom clearing agent at a suitable port and hired a trucking company to deliver the car. Throughout this process, I had to make a careful judgement of who to purchase the car from, communicate effectively, understand cultural nuances, coordinate across several times zones, track details, fill out copious paperwork, and manage costs. Through my due diligence, the car arrived safely, and sold quickly, allowing me to repay my “investors” and keep a nice profit for myself!
Although I'm proud that I have made money through pursuing my passion, I have learned as an Eagle Scout that people's accomplishments are best measured by the amount of good they do for their community. While I am passionate about cars, I am also cognizant of the need to help others and to use my skills to strengthen my community. I recently applied these skills to hosting a fundraiser for a girl ravaged by Spina Bifida and Cerebral Palsy. Using some of the profit from my car sales, I organized a “doggy wedding” (yes, a wedding ceremony involving two cute puppies) with the proceeds going into building a wheelchair ramp at the girl’s home. For this event, I had to liaise with city officials for use of a park as the event venue, recruit volunteers, solicit donations from businesses, promote and market the event, and keep on budget. I leaned heavily on the relational and organizational skills developed from my previous endeavors. The doggy wedding was a huge success and raised $2000 towards the cause!
Giving back to my community provides me perspective and purpose, as well as allowing me to fulfill my Scout Oath, which is to help others and be ethical in my actions. When I listen to other people’s problems, it helps me contextualize my own. I act to help others, giving meaning to the skills I have acquired, as well as continuing to discover opportunities to grow as a person.