Blog 21: Independent Component 2

LITERAL

a.) I Ricardo Mendoza, affirm that I have completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.

b.) For my independent component, I did extra service learning so I worked for more than 100 hours in total with Daniel Rascon and my dad Ricardo Mendoza.

Daniel Rascon
(626)-419-8232

Ricardo Mendoza
(626)-483-9228

c.) Hour Log HERE! 

d.) In my hours working at Adam's, I connected with the drifting community as well as studied the art of drifting by watching people do their runs and seeing how each individual driver completed the course. I studied the judging criteria as well by seeing what drivers were hitting the appropriate clipping points and running the right line as well as getting the proper slip angle.

While working with my dad I learned diagnostics work on cars and how to do simple tune up work such as changing spark plugs, cables, oil changes, brake jobs, tire service, using a code scanner, and belt swaps.

Interpretive

Working with my dad helped me grasp a skill that one of my interviewees stated was necessary in order to be an effective driver which was how to communicate to your mechanics and pit crew.  By learning how to diagnose and repair cars to a minimal extent, I have achieved a level of knowledge which allows me to understand how cars work, what parts do what, and how to listen for faulty noises that could mean life or death for the car.  My interviewee stated that a driver should also be a knowledgable mechanic and with this service learning I have gained skills necessary to be a better driver.

At Adam's, I learned mostly conceptual things by watching drivers run their course.  I saw how some drivers hit certain marks better than others and can use that information to dial in on my skills.  Also,  built relationships with drivers who are actively participating in the community.

Applied

These hours helped answer my eq in many ways.  By studying the lines of the course I learned better, my third answer which is driver awareness.  I learned the course itself and what the optimum race line of the course is so I now have a better understanding of what is is to drive these lines and hit proper points on the course.  I also understand by closely watching these drifters when throttle and brake are appropriately applied to the car and at which moments.

Working with my dad I also learned something from my third answer which was to become a better mechanic.  Working with him I got a feel for how the car works, what noises mean what and how to do basic maintenance which goes a very long way as a drifter.