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.

Colt Hahn

Farmworker

I always wanted to grow up to be a cowboy like John Wayne, Lucas McCain or the Cartwrights. Owning and running a ranch sounded like a good time! That kind of lifestyle really appealed to me. As I got older, I started to think about what kind of job I could actually have. To get a feel for the...
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Alex Richmeier

Project Engineer

I first became interested in construction when I was in high school. I’d helped some family members complete a few home renovation projects and really enjoyed the process. During that time, I was exposed to the planning, budgeting and execution required for even small construction jobs.
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Carrie Greenwood

Program Coordinator

Growing up, I had a lot of ideas about what I wanted my career path to look like. Little did I know that my path would lead me to be so passionate about working with youth with disabilities.
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Lacy Wolters

High School Teacher

I started my career journey as a wealth manager, which is someone who help people make good decisions about their money — which might sound like a far cry from a teacher, but many of the duties translate and still help me as an educator now. In college, I double majored in accounting and finance...
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Veronica Lara

Bus Paraeducator

As a child growing up in Mexico, my goal was to become a teacher. I helped my mom take care of my siblings, which sparked my love for childcare and education. To this day, I love working with children and enjoy advocating for everyone to treat others how they would like to be treated.
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Maverick Aggson

Boat-Building Apprentice

When I was young, I desperately wanted to be a sea captain. I would make boats out of paper, Legos, old baskets and cardboard to float in the kitchen sink. The ocean and people’s relationship with it drew me in. I knew I’d be happy at the helm of any vessel, from the greatest of ocean liners to the...
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Kelly Carmody

Middle School Teacher

Choosing a career was easy for me — I’ve never wanted to do anything but teach. I’d sometimes pretend to be a teacher when I was a kid, knowing I wanted to be a “helper” someday. To me, sharing knowledge with others sounded like the perfect way to serve my community.
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Kristin Ray

Elementary School Teacher

Growing up, I never really thought too much about teaching. Initially, I really wanted to be in advertising. I loved watching the show “Who’s the Boss” when I was young, and I wanted to be a marketing executive just like Angela Bower in the show.
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Larissa Whitney

Elementary School Teacher

When I was really young, I loved lining my dolls up and reading to them out loud. I even tried to dress like what I thought a teacher would wear! My mom still has a picture of that scene in action, which means a lot to me today. It was a snapshot of what was to come!
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Brittany Horning

School Library Media Specialist

School was my safe place growing up. Many wonderful teachers supported me and my family through some difficult years, and I was inspired to teach as well, at a very young age.
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