A New Country and a New Career

As a kid growing up in Turkey, Farhad Ashoori was drawn to semi-trucks. The way they looked at night, a glow of lights barreling down the highway, always intrigued him. The images stuck with him, so much so that he’d spend time playing truck driving games on his computer while imagining what it might be like to sit behind the wheel himself.

“At that time, I thought driving a truck would be too hard,” Farhad said. “It’s a big truck, and I thought that maybe I couldn’t really do it”.

Years later, after moving to the United States in 2023 and building a new life for himself in Utah, that childhood idea came back to him as something tangible—an opportunity to turn a long-time passion into a career that could help him establish himself and build a future in his new country.

Today, Farhad is in his final days as a student at Sage Truck Driving School in Salt Lake City and is preparing in earnest for his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam. He also recently learned he was the recipient of a $1,000 Howes Truckers of Tomorrow Scholarship, a boost he said will make his transition into the new career just a little bit easier.

Building a New Life in the U.S.

Before enrolling at Sage, Farhad worked as a banquet supervisor at a downtown Salt Lake City hotel. It was steady work, and his three years on the job helped him adjust to life in the U.S.. Back in Turkey, his career was much different: Farhad was a professional swimmer and swim instructor who taught both kids and adults. He even continued swimming competitively after arriving in the U.S., including time with the University of Utah.

But as he looked ahead, he wanted something that could provide long-term stability and which better aligned with his interests. That’s when trucking came back into the picture.

“When I went to Sage and they took me on the road, I realized it’s not too hard,” he said. “When I’m driving, I feel very comfortable”.

Farhad approached the decision to become a truck driver very carefully, researching different trucking schools in the Salt Lake area. Sage stood out right away for its location and for how it treated students.

“They have professional teachers, and they really care about students,” he said. “It’s not only about making hours. They teach you and give you real experience”.

When he first visited with the school’s staff and faculty, that impression was reinforced. “The people there were very helpful,” Farhad said. “They answered my questions and made me feel comfortable there”. That sense of support carried into the classroom and onto the range, where he began building confidence behind the wheel.

Looking to the Future with Excitement

Now nearing the end of his training, Farhad expects to take his final CDL test soon. The experience in preparing for this moment at Sage, he said, has been both exciting and rewarding. “I’m very excited,” he said. “After I pass my test, I want to get a job soon”.

One instructor in particular, Nick, has made a lasting impact by working closely with students on driving techniques and backing maneuvers. “He’s very professional,” Farhad said. “He understands what students need. If you have trouble, he gives you different ways to learn and improve”.

While the training has been a positive experience, paying for it was a concern. Unlike some of his classmates who had military funding, Farhad was covering the cost on his own. That’s when the Sage team stepped in to help him explore scholarship opportunities, including the Howes Truckers of Tomorrow Scholarship.

“I was worried about my financial situation,” he said. “They told me about [the scholarship] and helped me apply. When I found out I got it, I was very happy”. The $1,000 award eased the financial burden, allowing him to focus fully on his training. “It helped me a lot,” he said. “Especially because I’m new in this country. It just means so much”.

“We are proud to recognize Farhad as a recipient of the Howes Truckers of Tomorrow Scholarship,” said Rob Howes II, President of Howes Products. “His excitement and commitment to pursuing a career in trucking embodies the very spirit of this program and we look forward to seeing him succeed as part of the next generation of trucking professionals.”

Farhad’s goal is to start with over-the-road (OTR) driving, traveling across states and gaining experience on major routes like I-80 and I-50. He’s especially interested in driving through mountainous regions and open highways. Long term, he wants to build a stable career that allows him to grow and continue building his life in the United States.

For Farhad, the journey from watching trucks as a child to driving one professionally has come full circle. Now, with his CDL within reach, the road ahead feels wide open.