Ted Kelly Jr. (Three Affiliated)

Congratulations to Ted Kelly, Jr., the May 2021 UTTC “Alum in the Spotlight”!

“Hi, my name is Ted Kelly Jr. and I’m an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes and from the Standing Rock Reservation. I attended the Automotive Technology program and graduated with my diploma in December 2020. I really enjoyed my time at UTTC. I want to say thanks to all the staff members and all my teachers for helping me make the most out of my decision to go back to school at 42 years old, which I was very nervous to do. Growing up, doing good in school was something that never came easy and I dropped out in the 9th grade. More bad choices got me incarcerated as a juvenile and as an adult I went on to prison. During that whole time for 26 years I struggled with addiction. It took a while for me to realize that my past doesn’t determine my future and the company I keep has a big influence on the direction my path is going today. I choose to surround myself with like-minded people who understand my goals and dreams and help me to accomplish them. I’m proud to say that I’ve been clean for 5 years and get to be a true definition of a father to my three kids. After graduation one of my teachers helped with my decision on employment straight out of school and I started working at Kramer Chevrolet, where I currently work. Thank you to my higher power and everybody who helped along my journey. To all the students in school and the ones just starting, remember the most persuasive voice you have is your own so make sure you’re giving yourself credit for what you have started and all you are about to accomplish. You’re doing something awesome.”