My name is Ryan Mandekic and I attend Derry Area High School. I lived in Derry, PA for most of my life. When I was in Kindergarten and 1st grade I used to go to Blairsville Elementary School in Blairsville, PA. In Kindergarten, I had trouble learning academics and struggled due to lack of support. I had trouble interacting with teachers, peers, behavioral problems, anxiety and communicating, which led me to fail 1st grade. I got transferred to Grandview Elementary at Derry Area School District to repeat 1st grade. I built relationships with new friends and teachers, which helped me grow. I improved my academics and received support from the learning support teacher. I had a PCA, TSS, and BSC at Derry Elementary School, where they helped me at home and in the community. In 4th grade, I joined Band Class and played the trombone, I still play today. Through Middle School and High School, I struggled with transitions and anxiety. In 11th grade, I took electives that interested me and spent time with peers. I had a counselor that helped me improve at communicating and have better coping skills. I went to Vo-Tech to learn Automotive Technology for a semester, however, this year I decided to leave Vo-Tech and continue to focus on my academics. This year I did my second High School Musical. I played on the High School Bocce Team. I went to the Prom with my friends. Currently, I am repeating my 12th grade year to get caught up on my academics. Also, I needed more time to decide what I wanted to do after high school. I am continuing last year’s school activities through this year. I have less anxiety and problems at school. At home, I like to do mechanical work on small engines, play board games, make drawings and write stories. I like to watch tv, listen to music and relax. I argue when I am upset, stressed and perseverating. I had trouble with this at home and in the community. I have found ways to cope and communicate better with other people. I can manage my stress and anxiety better. I enjoy swimming, bike riding, walking my dogs, and spending time with my family and friends. I like mechanical work, such as small engine repair and automotive repair. Growing up, I always wanted to fix and repair mechanical things. Over the years, I have learned a lot about automotive and small engine repair. I have helped my Dad fix and diagnose mechanical issues. I helped him fix the cars. I have learned how to take apart, rebuild and maintain small gas engines. I have learned how to replace broken or worn parts when rebuilding a small engine. Currently, I am interested in Plumbing and HVAC. I am interested in learning these trades at Westmoreland County Community College. I like these careers because I had experience in learning how to repair household plumbing growing up. When I was 9 years old, my Dad showed me how to replace a household toilet and how the valve and float goes inside the tank of the toilet. I helped replace the flap inside the toilet. A year later I learned how to replace rubber washers on the bathroom sink and laundry tub. When I was at Vo-Tech I had shadowed a class for Plumbing and HVAC. Recently, I helped my Dad fix a leaking water pipe and I learned how to cut, solder and replace the pipe with a new one. I learned from my Dad how to fix and maintain a gas furnace for heating. I helped him replace the gas valve on our furnace this year and in the past. I hope to have a career in Plumbing and HVAC to become a productive member of society.
