So, when you became a professional mechanic at twelve, you did NOT
drop out of school?

well, come to think of it I did drop out of school at age 12. For the entire
summer, which happened to be the time when customers needed the engines fixed.

Now I'm curious, what IS a professional mechanic
in your eyes?

someone who charges money in a commercial environment to repair engines
customers are unable or unwilling to repair themselves.