El Salvador immigrant earns MassBay degree in automotove technology
Jeremy Castillo Vides’ journey from El Salvador to working at McLaren Boston might be interpreted as a testament to perseverance and passion.
Vides worked three jobs to support himself through college, relying on financial aid and his own determination, according to the announcement. He was eventually able to benefit from MassEducate, a free community college program for eligible Massachusetts residents, which eased his financial burden.
Vides, who moved to Revere at age 10, is a graduate of MassBay Community College’s All-Brand Automotive Technology program in Ashland, according to a community announcement. He credits it with giving him a broader perspective on the automotive industry.
“This program gave me something bigger than certifications. It gave me perspective,” Vides said in a statement. “We weren’t just fixing cars. We were telling stories through our work.”
“Receiving the transportation scholarship lifted a huge weight off my shoulders,” Vides said. “It wasn’t just money — it was a message that someone believed in me.”
Vides’ hard work paid off when he was hired full time by McLaren Boston, the state’s only dealership for the ultra-luxury automotive brand, according to the announcement.
“I’ve loved these cars since I was a kid, racing them in video games,” he said. “Now I get to work on them, drive them, be around them — it’s unreal.”
Student says his success can inspire those who are underrepresented
Vides’ success is not just a personal achievement, but also a source of inspiration for others from underrepresented backgrounds.
“Coming from an underrepresented background, the world didn’t always feel like it had space for me,” he said. “But at MassBay, I found a community. I found people who saw me. And now I get to live my dream — not just for me, but for everyone who’s ever felt unseen.”
As he embarks on his career in the world of elite performance vehicles, Vides remains grounded in gratitude.
“MassBay helped me grow — not just as a technician, but as a person,” he said. “This isn’t the end of my journey. It’s just the start of something powerful.”
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team.
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