New to the Belt ranks as of Aug. 15, Electrician Nate Smith enjoys the challenges his duties bring. He fixes everything from the main generators to light bulbs on the locomotive and performs electrical maintenance. He enjoys learning more every day.

“As a kid, I always wanted to be in mechanical work,” he said.

Smith completed a Moraine Valley Community College program for Chrysler, started working for them and in July 2014 decided to follow the footsteps of co-workers switching to locomotive mechanics.

“Nothing is ever the same,” he said. “I like the positive atmosphere of the shop. You can tell everyone here likes their job. It’s like a family.”

That family looks out for one another. When he started, his colleagues emphasized the importance of staying aware of his surroundings.

“When we have a service call in the yard, we have to continually look around,” he said. “A car or locomotive can be right behind you and you won’t hear them — they are so quiet.”

Smith’s interests outside of the railroad include time with his family and friends, fishing, golfing and following sports.

Nate Smith, electrician, enjoys the challenge of learning his new role.