Real Success Stories
Meet real role models working in various industries who have found success through alternative pathways after high school — and what they like about what they do! Looking to dive deeper? Complete this scavenger hunt to help you explore the many paths to success.
-
Tiffany Oppelt
Owner, TheraPie
I was young when I knew I wanted to work in the hospitality industry. As a child, I wanted to own a Bed and Breakfast. I liked the idea of hosting people from all over the world and showing them the very best hospitality. I got excited about the conversations we could have, the experience I could…
Read More -
Breanne Geary
Manager, Sports and Events
I’ve always had a passion for sports. When I got to high school, I realized I wasn’t going to play professionally but decided I still wanted to work in the industry. For the rest of high school and through my first year of college, I pursued sports nutrition. But my sophomore year of college, my…
Read More -
Chad Miller
Supplier Quality Engineer
I knew from a young age I wanted to do something in the sciences. Engineering and architecture were especially appealing to me. I used to play with Lego bricks, K’NEX and Construx while watching things like Star Wars, Gundam Wing and The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest. A lot of the shows I watched…
Read More -
Eric Martin
Recovery Services Manager
The college where I pursued my undergraduate degree in psychology had a strong emphasis on social justice. During my four years of study, I volunteered weekly to help feed the homeless population in the area. That was my first hands-on experience working with people, which ignited my passion for…
Read More -
Gabe Kufahl
Heavy Equipment Operator
Growing up, I spent a lot of time helping my dad on our farm. I always thought I’d follow in his footsteps because it felt like the logical thing to do. But that changed in high school when I started noticing construction projects around town and watching heavy equipment videos on social media.…
Read More -
James Miller
Operator/Laborer
As a kid, I thought I’d join the Army. Many of my family members served, and I felt like it was what I needed to do. But as I got older, I took a different path.I was always interested in working with heavy equipment, so after some time in a different industry, I switched to the job I’m in now.…
Read More -
Dustin Shellito
Manager, Pioneer Nutrition
After 13 years in law enforcement, I was ready to change my profession to a role without on-call duties in the middle of the night.
Read More -
Payton Siemens
Speech Therapist
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian because I loved helping animals. Over time, that passion evolved into a career focused on helping people.Today, I’m a speech therapist, literacy intervention specialist and reading specialist at No Stone Unturned in Manhattan, Kansas. I enjoy working…
Read More -
Austin Vincent
Staff Attorney
I’ve always been passionate about agriculture. I grew up on my family’s fifth-generation ranch, where I learned the value of a handshake and satisfaction of a job well done. But it wasn’t until my senior year of college that I realized I wanted to dedicate my career to the industry. A policy…
Read More -
Kylene Caquelin
Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
I always knew I wanted to work with kids. Today, I’m doing just that as a board-certified behavior analyst at No Stone Unturned in Manhattan. I work with kids who are diagnosed with autism to lessen their maladaptive behaviors. Maladaptive behaviors are actions that stop someone from facing new or…
Read More