Choosing a career path is almost never a straightforward journey. Sometimes we pursue skills simply for the joy of learning. Jenna Warner, a full-time firefighter and EMT, recently completed her CDL training at Tri-Area Trucking School. Trucking isn’t her primary career, but she saw the opportunity to earn her CDL as an exciting challenge and a valuable asset for the future. In this interview, Jenna shares her journey, her experience at Tri-Area, and the lessons she learned along the way. Her story shows the importance of being adaptable and gaining new skills even when you won’t use them right away.
Tell me a little bit about yourself. Sure! I’m a full-time firefighter and EMT, and I’ve been in this field for almost six years now. Before that, I worked at an ethanol plant near my hometown. Watching all the grain trucks come and go sparked my interest in getting my CDL. I didn’t need it for my job, but it was something I thought would be useful to have. Plus, I just liked the idea of being behind the wheel of a big truck! I’ve always been interested in learning new skills, and I figured getting my CDL would open up more opportunities for me in the future.
What led you to choose Tri-Area Trucking School for your CDL training? I attended the St. John campus, which was about a 45-minute drive from my house. I liked that it was close, and I also appreciated the small class sizes. My class had only five people, so we got a lot of one-on-one time with the instructors, which made a huge difference in learning such a hands-on skill. Additionally, I had heard really positive things about Tri-Area Trucking from a few people I know. They told me the instructors were patient and experienced, which turned out to be absolutely true. I wanted to be in an environment where I wasn’t just another student in a massive class but someone who got the attention and guidance needed to really master the material.
What was your experience like during training? Any challenges you had to overcome? I had no experience with stick shifts or driving a semi-truck, so it was a completely new world for me. Even though I drive fire trucks and ambulances for work, operating a semi was a totally different experience. At first, I struggled because there’s a lot to learn about shifting, handling such a large vehicle, and understanding all the moving parts. One of the biggest challenges was learning to be patient with myself. I tend to get frustrated if I don’t pick up a skill quickly, and with trucking, there’s definitely a learning curve. The instructors helped a lot, though. Each one had their own teaching style, and hearing different explanations helped things click for me. Eventually, it all came together, and I started feeling more confident behind the wheel. Another challenge was just getting used to the size of the vehicle. Fire trucks and ambulances are big, but semis are even bigger! Learning to navigate turns, back up properly, and handle the weight of the truck took time, but practice made it easier.
What stood out to you the most about the instructors and the program? The small class size was a big plus. We had a close-knit group, and the instructors made it feel like a comfortable learning environment. They weren’t just there to teach us technical skills. They really got to know us and made learning fun. We had good conversations, laughed a lot, and even played music during our long drives. It felt less like a formal class and more like a team working toward the same goal. One thing that really stood out to me was how invested the instructors were in our success. If I was struggling with a particular skill, they took the time to work with me individually until I got it right. They didn’t just push students through the program, they made sure we were genuinely ready for the real world. Another thing I appreciated was that they didn’t rush me through the program. I wasn’t quite ready to take my state test after four weeks, and instead of pushing me through, they let me stay for a couple of extra weeks to make sure I was fully prepared. That kind of support was really valuable.
What was the most memorable moment from your time in the program? Definitely the time we spent out on the road. The second two weeks of training were mostly in the truck, and we spent hours driving with our instructors and classmates. We’d bring a speaker and listen to music, sing along, and just have a good time while learning. One of our longer drives was to Auburn Hills, which was a great experience. Getting that hands-on, real-world driving practice was one of the best parts of the program. It was also really cool seeing my own progress. At the beginning of the program, I was nervous about everything. But by the end, I felt comfortable and in control behind the wheel. That sense of accomplishment was unforgettable.
How did you feel when you finally got your CDL? It was such a great feeling! After all the hard work, practice, and even some frustration, passing my test and earning my CDL felt like a major accomplishment. It proved to me that I could take on a new challenge and succeed.
Have you considered using your CDL for part-time work? I haven’t done anything with it yet, but I’m definitely keeping my options open. Having a CDL means I have more flexibility in the future. If I ever decide to take on trucking as a side job or transition into something new, I already have the skills I need.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about trucking? A lot of people assume trucking is just about sitting behind the wheel and driving all day, but there’s so much more to it. You have to understand vehicle maintenance, road safety, and regulations. Plus, it requires patience and problem-solving skills, especially when dealing with different terrains, weather conditions, and tight spaces.
What would you say to someone who is hesitant about pursuing a CDL? I’d tell them to go for it! Even if you don’t think you’ll use it right away, it’s a great skill to have. The training process is challenging, but it’s worth it in the end. You never know when an extra certification could open new doors for you.
Jenna’s story is a great example of how learning new skills can open unexpected doors. Even though she pursued her CDL as an additional certification rather than a career move, she walked away with valuable experience, new friendships, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether someone is looking to start a new career in trucking or just wants to add another skill to their resume, Tri-Area Trucking School offers the hands-on experience and support needed to succeed.
