Don’t Fret, Just Keep on Truckin’- Tiffany Adames

Scania is a company that builds trucks, buses, and engines for not only Latin America but for various countries around the world. Out of the total Latin American production of ethanol engines, Brazil accounts for 80%, and Scania is a significant contributor. One of the company’s priorities is teamwork.

Scania’s focus on teamwork is apparent through their statistics: a new engine coming out of their assembly line every three minutes and twenty-five seconds, 140 trucks built per day, and 30,000 trucks constructed per year. Their high production numbers would not be possible without teamwork. As my time in Brazil continues, teamwork has been an essential part of my trip. From working with others to complete a group presentation to working together while attempting to dance, teamwork honestly does make the dream work. Without the support and help of my classmates, I would not have been able to complete the honors program, and because of them, I am now in Brazil. With teamwork, we can learn from each other, share experiences, and support each other as a family.

At the end of the tour, we were able to drive a semi-truck made in their facilities. It was something that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Panic was apparent not only in me but also the man that was instructing me on how to drive who had to continuously tell me to slow down because I kept going 40 km/hr on the 30 km/hr course.

Teamwork was clearly portrayed throughout each of Scania’s facilities, and it showed me that teamwork is essential to get things done efficiently and effectively. Whether it be working on a group presentation or trying to help each other out with Portuguese, teamwork is needed to get the job done.