Service
Aaron Collins
Owner, Aaron’s Lawn Care
I was chatting with my barber when I first learned about the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC). I had been describing my lawn care business when he told me I should consider competing in YEC, a competition for students interested in entrepreneurship.
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Allison Placzek
Senior Interior Designer
Senior Interior Designer Allison Placzek grew up watching her dad work in the aviation industry. After getting her start in residential interior design, she jumped at the chance to create timeless looks for Cessna and Beechcraft customers.
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Andre Connor
Data Operations Analyst
"I was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, pursuing my dream of becoming an Army Ranger, when I suffered a back injury that left me disabled and wondering what to do. I’d always been interested in information technology and IT security, and I realized a career in that industry would allow me to move...
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Anna Bartholomew
Childcare Teacher
I started working with kids as a teen, helping out at a daycare before and after school. I kept working there when I graduated from high school and enrolled at Johnson County Community College, and I was sad to leave when I transferred to Kansas State University a year later.
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Anne Smoke
Land Surveyor
When I was younger, I thought I’d grow up to be a veterinarian because I love being around animals. Unfortunately, I don’t deal well with blood, so that didn’t work out! Luckily, I found my way into a career I love.
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Anthony Gorges
Sports and News Broadcaster
As a child, my dream job was always something related to sports. I was a major sports fan, and my aspirations rotated between broadcasting and roles involving game statistics. The excitement of being part of that world fueled my childhood dreams.
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Areli Lopez-Hernandez
Early Education Teacher
Growing up, I was always interested in working with children. Whenever there were kids around, I would take it upon myself to care for them. Then, when I was in high school in Topeka, Kansas, someone came to talk to our class about earning college credits through the Washburn Institute of...
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Bana Stelk
Bank Operations Specialist
"I really enjoy young kids, so growing up I always thought I’d become a teacher. I started down that path in college, but soon discovered it wasn’t for me. While in college, I started working at Walmart, which gave me some great experience with handling cash and working with the public.
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Brian Crockett
Real Estate Agent
I became interested in real estate while I was in high school. My mother was a real estate agent, and I always enjoyed hearing her talk about helping people purchase their first homes and the excitement that they had. I finally decided to make the transition to becoming a real estate agent myself...
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Gwendelrae Hicks
Owner and Mortician
When Harriet Tubman led escaped slaves to freedom, she followed the North Star to guide their way through the dark. Likewise, when I’m working with families who are grieving, they need someone with compassion and professionalism to guide them through that tough time. That’s why we chose to name our...
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