Picture Yourself Here: Anthony Willmore

Anthony Willmore became a double amputee at the age of two due to a birth defect. Throughout his life, the 30-year-old Kalamazoo native has tackled many tasks with drive and determination. But a tight budget almost derailed his college education. That's why he's so thankful to have received the Maxey Family Industrial Trades Scholarship. The $1,000.00 scholarship assisted in covering the cost of books and tuition.

Willmore took general education courses and studied multi-media design after graduation from Kalamazoo Central High School in 2011. He returned to Kalamazoo Valley in 2019 to study automotive technology. "I've always had an interest in cars," Willmore said. A relative who said, "If you love cars so much you should enroll in the automotive program," prompted his return to college.

"I was almost at a point of dropping out," said Willmore, explaining that the expense of books, tuition, gas and class supplies was a burden for him and his low-income family. "The scholarship gave me breathing room. It gave me relief and allowed me to continue."

In addition to being determined, Willmore has learned to be creative. "I know I'm different from other students. They use brute strength. I've had to adapt and find my way of doing things. Instead of accepting how things are, I adapt to find my way of doing it." Outside of the classroom and auto lab, he's had plenty of car maintenance experience tinkering with his project car, a 2000 BMW 3 Series. "I've enjoyed using that car to learn," he said. "It's been disassembled a dozen times."

His parents had doubts about his ability to work on cars, but Willmore has consistently demonstrated that where there's a will, there's a way. "Now they see that I'm turning a hobby into a career," he said. He considers obstacles a learning opportunity. "I like to absorb information. You never know when it will come back to you and be useful later in life," he said. "Everything is an investment. Whether it's time or money, it's going to pay off in the long run."

It took some time for him to discover his passion, but Willmore is certain about his path now. His goal is to work in an independent auto shop or in a performance shop. "Don't give up just because you had a bad experience. Continue to experiment and find out where you fit," is his advice to others.

Willmore said his automotive instructors have all been encouraging. He's grateful to everyone who believes in him. "I'm profoundly thankful for the scholarship," he said. "It gave me hope to finish what I started. I don't forget what people have done for me. I will always be grateful for that."