When I arrived at the school on my first day, I half expected to meet gruff people, rough around the edges, who might not be terribly patient with a timid soul such as myself. Instead, I met Leland whose personable demeanor gave me to know that I was in the right place.

Colin and Leland’s gentle patience, abundant praise, and hands-off teaching style helped transition me from hard-core coaching into a phase of learning to stand on my own two feet – a valuable combination of multiple teaching methods! I wish I could remember the other driver instructor’s name. His sense of humor and his camaraderie and insights were indispensable parts of the learning process.

When I left the Utah Trucking Academy, thanks to your generosity and love of teaching, I had gained a whole lot more than a fixed number of hours of instruction and training. I had gotten a big head start learning everything from shifting to logging to backing to route planning. I had learned much about everything from winter weather driving to lot lizards to laws and regulations from your hilarious stories and valuable lessons. I had actually earned my CDL and found my future employer. I was able to set realistic expectations for myself about the road ahead. But perhaps most valuable of all, I had gained a handful of friends for life – friends who taught me a new and much more secure way to provide for my family.

I never imagined my writing to you about my adventures and progress would mean so much to all of you. I’m just really glad I have been able to help boost your morale as you held on tight through this COVID-19 stuff. I just know the economy will open up again soon. When it does, people who have been putting off their training will come. People who’ve seen how important truckers are in a whole new light will want to be one too, and they will come. When they do, the Utah Trucking Academy will be waiting for them, and I’m confident your incredible school will thrive as never before.

Your friend always,

Trent