ALUMNI: David Chung

By Albert Hu,
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–

Davis High alumnus David Chung has dreamed of working with cars since he was two and has followed that dream ever since. Chung currently works at Hanlees Toyota, and is a passionate supporter of the vocational education program that helps inspire Blue Devils in the auto shop program.

When Chung attended DHS, he enrolled in the auto shop program and learned the basics of maintaining vehicles. After graduating, he worked at an independent auto shop company while studying at American River College. After eight years, Chung left to work at Hanlees Toyota.

Chung has continued to help the Davis High auto shop program over the years.

“I wanted to give back to the auto shop program, as vocational education or anything hands-on is not highly looked upon,” Chung said.

According to Chung, society does not currently regard vocational occupations as good career paths. This results in “technicians [getting] older and retiring with no one to replace them.”

Chung hopes to show students that these types of careers are viable, and frequently visits the DHS auto shop, using his “knowledge to answer any questions students have […] and to help prospective students looking to get into the auto shop field.”

Auto shop teacher Robert Thayer had high praise for Chung.

“For many years, [Chung] has generously given back to the DHS automotive program by visiting the auto shop classes to share his knowledge and experience with students,” Thayer said.

In addition to helping students and working at Toyota, Chung is also active in the car scene as a member of both the Davis Car Club and the monthly Cruise-in car show.

In the future, Chung hopes to start his own auto shop and wants to continue to inspire Blue Devils to be interested in vocational education. As Chung puts it, “if you really enjoy working on cars, and you don’t mind working on other cars other than your own, you can make a career out of it.”