Abubacar Kanteh always wanted to work with vehicles. After many turns in his life, he found his place in Renton Technical College’s Automotive Technology Program. His RTC education changed not only his life but the lives of people in his hometown community in the West African country of Gambia.  

For his accomplishments, Kanteh was nominated by the RTC Board of Trustees for the 2023 Transforming Lives Award. The Washington State Association of College Trustees (ACT) created the program in 2012 to recognize current or former students whose lives have been transformed by pursuing higher education at a community or technical college. An awards dinner was held Jan. 23 in Olympia.

“My journey to technical college was not without obstacles,” he said. “My mother never sat in a classroom, yet she understood the value of a good education. She instilled in me the drive to be educated.” 

Growing up in the small country of Gambia, Kanteh dreamed of college and a career but instead joined the Army after high school. After leaving the Army, he moved to the United States, where he experienced homelessness and again couldn’t afford college. After making his way to Washington, he decided to check out RTC, where he was greeted by helpful staff who helped him map out a plan and secure financial aid.  

“My instructors have taught, inspired, encouraged, and empowered me to be my best which has greatly contributed to my realization of the American Dream,” he said. “RTC is my community.”

Using skills he learned in his program, Kanteh started a community-based garage, sharing HVAC expertise that helps alleviate the impact of the area’s unbearable weather conditions faced by Gambian workers daily. 

“My education has transformed a curiosity and passion into practical and applicable skills that I will use throughout my career,” he said. “Sharing my RTC training is transforming the lives of people in my hometown. Because of the RTC instructors’ untiring drive for students to succeed in life, you can develop a solid foundation that moves you forward in the world to achieve anything you set your mind to.”