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Easton vocational students refurbish Acura for mother who spent 13 hours a week commuting
Students at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School repaired an Acura MDX for Esclanette Germain, a single mother who had relied on buses and trains for about two years. The car is expected to give her more time with her son and greater flexibility to work and study.
EASTON, Mass. — Students at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School have refurbished an Acura MDX for Esclanette Germain, a single mother whose commute by public transportation took about 13 hours a week.
Germain moved to Massachusetts from Haiti in 2024. She works at FedEx while studying mental health and is the sole provider for her son. She said having a car will save time and could allow her to work more hours.
“I can have more opportunities,” Germain said of the change. “It’s going to help me.”
Automotive and collision repair students prepared the vehicle with help from Second Chance Cars. Automotive student Umar Mohamed Faizer said students replaced all four tires and the tire-pressure monitoring sensors, changed the oil and completed a multipoint inspection. Collision repair student Jaymiro Montero helped weld a patch over a rusted section.
Vocational supervisor Jarrod Lussier said the project stood out because the car could help Germain get to work and support her family. Germain, who had spent two years relying on public transit, said she was surprised by the gift.