Hi Sam, As you progress from 13 up to 18 (college age) try and find a mentor that is in the automotive field at the same time any part time jobs that involve anything automotive or pre-automotive such as rental companies that rent lawn mowers, chain saws anything that is mechanical or electrical to learn how they work and at the same time take any automotive or technical classes offered by your high school.  Over the next 5 years you should have a good idea of the direction you want to go.  As to higher education and if your interest has peaked by 18 years old on college I highly recommend is McPherson College they have a wonderful 4 year degree program in auto restoration that may peak your interest  https://www.mcpherson.edu/programs/auto-restoration/  I personally like older imports (foreign) cars that if your under the bonnet (hood) and drop a wrench you can hear it hit the floor rather than fall into a plastic maze of covers never to be found again - give up and by a new one from the Snap-On truck:)  My only life's problem is as I get older some of the old pieces of iron have stayed with me for years 🙂   What ever your future holds for you get a college degree. Best of luck to you, Sam       ... View more