New Western Nevada College Commercial Drivers License Instructor Sam Yesuratnam has a passion for big rigs that emanates from watching one of the most-watched trucker movies ever: Smokey And The Bandit, starring Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed and Sally Field.

It spawned a love for big rigs and trucking that Id never been able to shake, he said. I walked away from a long career in internetwork engineering and decided it was time to make what had been a passion my whole life into a reality. I do love the feeling of being out on the open road and the sense of freedom and adventure it brings.
Now, Yesuratnam welcomes the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people who are planning to commit to a career behind the wheel.
My hope is that my students will not only gain the knowledge and skills to be proficient, professional drivers but also learn how to be safe and successful in the long term, with a career that is both personally and financially rewarding, Yesuratnam said. This is an opportunity to have a real impact on so many lives in a positive, lasting way.
Yesuratnam has worked for some of the top transportation companies in the country as a local driver and an over-the-road driver. Among the companies hes worked for are FedEx Ground, JCs XPress, Packer Transportation and Sherwin-Williams.
Yesuratnams first CDL Skills Test Preparation Class at WNC began on Monday, Oct. 25 on the Fallon campus. The five-week class sponsored by Hert Trucking meets 2 hours per week in the classroom with an additional 5 hours per week driving a big rig with Yesuratnam.
I love to teach, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people that are looking to make a career behind the wheel, Yesuratnam said. I believe this is fulfilling the purpose (albeit in a small way) that I was created for.
Additional offerings of the course will be available, including one in December.
We are lucky to have a talented instructor who cares deeply about the success of our students, and at one of the lowest prices in our region. This class is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is interested in obtaining their Commercial Drivers License, said WNC Continuing Education Coordinator Lauren Slemenda.
Before registering for the class, its recommended that you contact the WNC Continuing Education office at 775-445-4210 to ensure that you fully understand the requirements of the program.